Monday Devotional – August 15 2022
Even if
‘Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ‘ 2 Corinthians 12:9
Read:
'Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” 'Daniel 3:16-18
Reflect:
Some seasons in life are more difficult to navigate than others. We often do not see purpose in pain, strength in struggle or victory in the war till we are past it. The three Hebrew boys stood confidently before the threat of death and I wonder how or why? Our three Hebrew friends, though captive in a foreign land and stripped of their Hebrew names, worked diligently and by God’s grace lived in a measure of prominence and wealth. They were appointed to rule over the affairs of Babylon (Daniel 3:30) . Their flaw was that they worshiped Yahweh and not the Babylonian gods. The other men of influence were not pleased that slaves were excelling in the way they were. Perhaps the question should be in whom did their confidence rest?
Shadrach Meshach and Abednego had an “even if” praise. They knew the same God that kept them so far, was able to keep them now. More importantly they understood His sovereignty. God does not need to answer their prayer favorably to remain God. He is the Great I am and He does as He pleases.
Can we choose to have an “even if praise” as we face our own “Nebuchadnezzan” obstacles that demand we bow in their presence? Will we choose to say: even if this relationship fails, even if I am overlooked for promotion, even if my gas light comes on, even if my family member doesn’t beat the illness, even if I still struggle with my health, even if my life doesn’t look like I expect it to, even if… ‘I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.’ Psalms 34:1?
Raise an “even if” praise today and throughout this week. For one, God deserves it and secondly worship shifts our perspective. A Godly perspective on our present circumstance is what make the difference in how we navigate life, whether miserably our confidently.
Song of the Week:
Journal Prompt:
- What is my Nebuchadnezzan obstacle?
- How has God delivered me before?
- How can I remain confident God has my best interest in mind.
Pray:
Lord, I pray today that I will heed your word and praise you in spite of how I feel. I pray that even if You don’t move the mountains I will recognize and declare your sovereignty in all things. In Jesus name. Amen.
Declaration:
I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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Have a great week!
See you next week for another Devotional by Lady Kavan.
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