Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspirational. Show all posts

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Perpetual Pain

Jer 15:18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?




It is virtually impossible to measure another person’s pain objectively. Jeremiah accused God of not helping him when he really needed it. Jeremiah had taken his eyes off God’s purposes and was feeling sorry for himself. He was angry, hurt and afraid. God’s response was not that of anger at Jeremiah; he answered by reorienting Jeremiah’s priorities. As God’s mouthpiece he was to influence the people, not let them influence him.



We all have suffered pain in our lives. Acute pain is sudden while chronic pain is continuous or ongoing. Certain events in life can cause sudden pain or we may be living with continuous pain. Pain is not always physical; sometimes it can be emotional, mental and even spiritual. Life at times causes us to be angry and hurt.


Jeremiah’s call by God teaches us how intimately God knows us. He valued us before anyone else knew we would exist. He cared for us while we were in our mother’s womb. God values us more highly than we value ourselves. Jeremiah felt first hand God’s love for his people and the people’s rejection of that love. The scripture tells us that Jeremiah is addressing God and wondering why his pain is continuing and his wounds seem incurable. He felt that God was prolonging his suffering. Worse yet, he wondered if the God who claimed to be a spring of living water had become like a deceptive brook or a spring that failed. Maybe you are feeling this way today. God is not a man that he should lie, nor the son of man that he should repent. (Num 23:19) There are three important lessons in this passage.


1. In prayer we can reveal our deepest thoughts to God


2. God expects us to trust him no matter what


3. We are here to influence others


It may be easy for us to identify with Jeremiah’s frustrations and discouragement, but we need to realize that this prophet’s life is also an encouragement to faithfulness. Regardless of opposition and personal cost, Jeremiah courageously and faithfully proclaimed the Word of God. We live in a world filled with pain; the entire earth groans. We live with people who have been hurt and people who have hurt others. Today let us be reminded that God never abandons us or leaves us for any reason. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:39) He is very much aware of the pain that we suffer. Jesus is our example. Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Jesus went from Agony to Destiny, a road we will all have to take one day. Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. God Loves You and So do I….Pastor Tammy

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Peace in the midst of Pressure


"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3).


Earlier in life, I can remember times when as a young mother, I longed for times of peace and quiet. My children would awake; my day started and the pressures of life seem to start closing in the minute our feet hit the floor. Life at times can seem out of balance. The balance of everyday living can create a lot of pressure and become overwhelming. Our Heavenly Father, states in his word, HE will keep us in peace, in perfect peace, inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace at all times, under all events. This peace shall he put us into, and we shall keep possession of, whose mind is stayed upon God, because we trust in HIM.

When evil tidings arise, those who hearts have been fixed and trusting in the Lord will not fear. Psalms 112:7-8 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. (NIV)

Our Father’s love and support never changes. From the cradle to the grave, God has promised to give us the strength to meet any challenge. God has promised to lift us up and guide our steps if we let Him. God has promised that when we entrust our life to Him completely and without reservation, He will keep us in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on him. This gives you and the courage to face any trial and the wisdom to live in His righteousness.

Henry Kissinger said: “A diamond is a chunk of coal that is made good under pressure.”

Pressure reveals what is on the inside of us. We must resist the temptation to blame other people for our reactions. Some of us like to shift the blame because we don't have to take responsibility for our own mistakes and weaknesses. Christian maturity is revealed by how we behave in everyday life, particularly under pressure. How do we act when someone cuts us off in traffic? Or a person gets in an express check out lane at the grocery store with more than the required number of items? How do we act on our own in the little things reveals pretty much how we will react in bigger things?

Jesus is the Prince of Peace! He is the only one who can offer permanent peace. The Lord not only wants us to know His peace, but also He wants us to distribute His peace. Matt 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God”. Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. God Loves You and so do I….Pastor Tammy