CWW Week 17 - Day 3 - Hope
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Scripture.
Psalm 42:11: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”
Devotional.
Isn’t it hard to stay positive in a world that seems to be darkening by the day?
I have been through a gamut of emotions in the past three years as I watch man’s inhumanity to man play out uncensored in-front of our eyes. The bible tells us in Matthew 24:12: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Boy have we seen this demonstrated in so many ways, not only from expected sources but now from once trusted sources.
I want to talk about how my faith has grown me as all this has played out over the past three years. I have noticed some major character developments in my life as a result of my profile. There was a time when I would have exploded with ego after I came to some prominence as a result of refusing the mandates to keep my job.
I had no idea how much attention my original video would generate.
I used to feel so wretched about myself and had such a low opinion, that I would have grabbed any notoriety with both hands. But it had the opposite effect as I plunged into a swamp of different agendas and egos. My life had been thrown into a meat grinder, and for many months I felt like I was in the belly of the beast.
As I bounced from one event to another and from interview to interview, I knew my life was forever changed. I had no idea where to go with this and in my own power, how I would handle it.
I had no other option but to give it all over to God lock stock and barrel.
He never let me down and the more I relied upon His power while diminishing my own, a certain humility developed that made the message more palatable. My methods supported my motives and I was free to be me without performing.
In the past three years I have faced relentless trolling and hatred and even death threats. I have seen my reputation as a pilot challenged and have been turned on by many whom I held dear. But you know what? It’s all water off a ducks back now. I am living in the space that God put me in, and I know that my priority is to speak to please Him knowing that there will be many who chastise me for that. I am free to be His son and I am going to go where he wants me to go.
Now the more I speak to people the more I see many who are caught in a web of intrigue. So busy seeking truth that they fail to see the truth that is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Many people are literally mining for darkness, as if we need to do that with it all out there in plain sight.
When we seek more proof that evil exists we run the risk of becoming what we behold and or becoming lost in a sense of hopelessness. Satan wins.
Faith and Hope in God is in acknowledging that He is always in control. We can be of good spirit even though the heavens seem to be falling. Our choice is made simple in that we either stand with God in the light knowing we wear His full armour, or we cower in the shadows courting evil in fear, shame and guilt.
We must remember the origins of the hymn “It is well with my soul,” and feed our souls with the fruits of the spirit instead of the effluent of anxiety and depression.
My countenance is high because of my faith in God. My future is secure because I praise Him in truth, and once again I can say with good conscience that it is well with my soul.
Questions.
- Are you a darkness miner?
- How is that working for you?
- What does knowing that God is in control do to your countenance?
Prayer.
Dear Lord, Papa God.
Thank you for lifting me up so I can climb on mountains. Thank you Papa for raising me up on stormy sees. I am strong ‘cause I am on your shoulders. You raise me up to more than I can be. In you I have no fear. I am Your son and I desire to fulfil Your will in my life with all my heart and with all Your Spirit. Raise me up Lord is my prayer in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Graham Hood.