Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house, yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.– Matthew 7:24-25
When you face a difficult situation in your life, what’s your default? Pastor Luis Gutierrez’s sermon talked about Gratitude, Obedience & Faith because of remaining in the Word of God – all of which I know I need in my life, but it is really tested when I am in a “situation”. We have all been there and if I can be vulnerable here, I will admit, my default has not been to go to God most of the time. I have allowed my feelings to take over and then my mind to try and fix my feelings and the situation. Until of course, nothing works and then I scream “GOD, WHERE ARE YOU?”. Reality check: He has been there the whole time waiting on me, for when I let HIM into the situation, to do only what God can do. Direct, Restore, Redeem, Heal. So how can I give God His rightful place in the difficult situations not only when I think things are going well for me?
Just like that one leper who expressed his gratitude to Jesus for healing him (Luke 17:15-16); I realised it starts with always having a grateful heart toward all God is doing and will do in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is worship, gratitude means understanding its no longer us but Christ in us. It’s the birthplace of obedience to Christ in everything through His word. Our grateful heart leads us to Christ in those “situations” knowing He is in control and will turn it for our good. He will speak to us through His word that will produce faith to persevere and endure the difficult seasons (James 1:3).
Father thank you for all you have done in my life. You have been faithful through every season. Help me to always look to you in every situation, seeking you above all else. Open our minds and hearts to listen and obey your word.
Amen.
By Christabel Joy Seneviratne
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