By: Gabriela Yareliz
It’s a new week!
Diverse trials and perhaps exhaustion awaits some of us, this week. If you are already looking at your week, and your eye is twitching– here is a word for you:
“But now, says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
“Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you… fear not… for I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on dry ground; I will pour my spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. I am the first and the last; besides me there is no God. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not of any.” (Isaiah 44:2-3, 6,8).
As I have been chatting with friends about life, our struggles, and our desires– our conversation has turned to the topic of prayer. This week, if you are going through something (we all have needs and burdens that weigh heavy on our hearts), I encourage you to be as Augustine’s mother. I was reading about her, and how she prayed for God to impact the life of her son. I read that even as she did not see the answer to her prayers, she was not discouraged. Instead, what she did was she prayed God’s promises found in the Bible. She presented “before God His own words.” (5T 322). “Her deep humiliation, her earnest importunities, her unwavering faith, prevailed, and the Lord gave her the desire of her heart. Today, He is just as ready to listen to the petitions of His people. His ‘hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear…'” Id.
This week, if there is someone or something you are praying about, do not waver. Press forward, and present before God His own words.
This week, let us reflect on what is in our hearts. I keep reminding myself that it is not my job to transform the ugliness or flaws I find within me. It is my job to simply submit my heart to God, and He will cleanse me. He is that potter that molds until He sees a masterpiece.
God doesn’t make ordinary things or write plain little stories. He makes and writes masterpieces.
Here are some quotes that I found inspiring in my weekend reading. I hope you find something to hold on to and meditate on as your life unfolds this week.
Happy week! Let’s rock.
“It is only through Christ that Satan’s power is limited. This is a momentous truth that all should understand. Satan is busy every moment, going to and fro, walking up and down the earth, seeking whom he may devour. But the earnest prayer of faith will baffle his strongest efforts. Then take ‘the shield of faith,’ brethren, ‘wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked'” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 294
“He [God] orders everything in righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. He will reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know; and beyond that we must trust the hand that is omnipotent, the heart that is full of love.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 301.
“Those who talk faith and cultivate faith will have faith, but those who cherish and express doubts will have doubts.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 302.
“Do not show distrust of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Do not for a moment pain the heart of the pitying Saviour by your unbelief.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 316.
“[God] is pleased with the faith that takes Him at His word.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, 322.
Go. Conquer.
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GABRIELA YARELIZ 