A thought from John 11:17-44 is that there is a need to rely on God for the possible when it seems impossible. It’s when you hit a wall that the opportunity for the Lord to make the impossible possible exist. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can take on difficulty and figure out how to find a solution.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. – Romans 8:26-27
Written in ”Life is not Always Peaches and Cream” was the prophecy from Isaiah about invasion and devastation of Jerusalem. History tells us that it has not always been peaches and cream for the city. It all started with bad leaders who did not pay attention to the warnings. They focused on themselves and what they could do rather than on the Lord and what He could do.
Let us realize that each day is a new day to take action at making yesterday work better. That we can go to the Creator and aspire to create a successful plan together. Then carry it out with confidence and determination. As the song Back To God by Reba McEntire points out, let us turn to God and give this world back to Him.
Life is not always peaches and cream. It can be a difficult place and that’s why we need friends to help along the way to fortify the Spirit, mind, and soul. As we seek to apply the lessons of the Bible, let us keep in mind that God blesses those who request His advice and follow through on His guidance.
At one time, Jerusalem was a joyous city, but history tells us that it has not always been peaches and cream. In reading Isaiah 22, there is a prophecy of Assyrian invasion and devastation of Jerusalem, there would be difficult times of famine, sickness, and wars. They would have terrible leadership that would not turn to God.
The insight of Isaiah said that they would prepare for battle by building up Jerusalem’s defenses. Collecting armor, horses, chariots, and fortifying the walls that surrounded the city. They would work hard but not smart because they would not go to God in prayer to prepare.
It would not be peaches and cream because the people would not listen to the warnings. The vision of Isaiah demands reforms within the city. He demanded a change in leadership. Shebna was the palace administrator who was second in command. Apparently, he only cared about himself as the Lord reveals to Isaiah that he would build a monument to himself (v.16).
Also revealed to Isaiah is that Eliakim would take over and be an honorable leader who would care for his people. Making himself responsible to God in his position of power. He is called a servant (v. 20) … a picture of Jesus the greatest Servant of all.
Today’s passage makes us think about being responsible to God in our position of authority. There are people we have authority over, and we should want their attention focused on the Lord. Not on our authority over them but on the Lord and what He can do to help them in their life. Let them know that each day is a new day to take action at making yesterday work better. That we can go to the Creator and aspire to create a successful plan together. Then carry it out with confidence and determination.
Lord, life is not always peaches and cream but with You, we can expect the unexpected. We can expect greatness and praise You for what You have already done and what You will do in the future. We proactively prepare so when life is not peaches and cream, we have our faith to fall back on. This new and glorious morn is dawning, and we prepare now our heart and mind. We align our heart, our mind, and our actions by reflecting on the experiences of the past and building on Your plans for the future. Amen.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. – Psalm 118:8
God’s word is full of warnings that help us to be made aware of what needs to be done to protect us from harm. As pointed out in “Getting to the Other Side”, without God’s instruction, there is no light of dawn. There is only distress, darkness, and fearful gloom.
But as the song Come Let Us Return to the Lord – Matt Redman points out, with brokenness of heart we can repent and consecrate our lives. We can follow God’s plan for us with realigned priorities. The Holy Spirit will be our guide, and we can be assured that we will be going towards the destination. We will be able to give our best and proceed with poise because victory is assured.
Two donkeys were standing at a roadside. One ask the other, “So, shall we cross”? The other said, “no way, look at what happened to the zebra”. [1]
Crossing the roads in Texas can be hazardous. There is construction everywhere because of the tremendous growth and one can easily get run over if not following the pedestrian signs and warnings.
As we walk through life, our pedestrian signs and warnings are found in God’s word. In Isaiah 21, the prophet sees in a vision the fall of Baylon. He warns Edom that morning and night is coming. He tells them to return to the Lord for safety. Unfortunately, they did not heed the warning (16-17).
God’s word is full of warnings that make us aware of what needs to be done to protect us from harm. As pointed out in today’s passage, without God’s instruction, there is no light of dawn. There is only distress, darkness, and fearful gloom.
It’s important to know God’s plan for us, have the right priorities, and do the things that really matter. Then, keep going in the right direction with the Holy Spirit as our guide. With the discipline to follow, we will get there. We can step ahead and cross the road to the other side without being run over. We can proceed with poise because victory is assured.
This day with You God, Your word sheds light so we can see the Way. We trust You God more than anyone. We live out Your plan for us towards the glorious light of eternity. The path marked out for us is the Way of Jesus. There is direction in each step as we step ahead toward the victorious finish in Jesus’ name … Amen.
[1] Short-funny.com – 99+ Short and Funny Jokes (Only the Best for You!) https://short-funny.com/.
Photo Source – “Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
Click the image above to Link to my other blog called "Step Ahead"
Click image & link to Bible Study Space Top 100
Click Image for More Info
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 
