FaithStones Devotional - MAY

Close your eyes and feel the warmth

May is an exciting month. We begin to feel the warmth of summer season approaching. I personally believe physical seasons echoes what heaven is doing in the spirit realm.

Picture the Lord preparing your reward. Tailored purposely for you. After standing throughout all the trials and tests, after waiting patiently for the Lord, see, here comes the King with his reward in his hands. It has your name on it.

And this is one thing to know about the Lord: after passing the test and still standing, still found in him, still holding onto his word, he blesses you beyond measure. You can never out-give the Lord, he will make sure he blesses you way beyond what you could ever imagine. There is a reward for being faithful onto God, so stand for his righteousness. Press on in trial. And hold onto his Word, which is also your weapon, the sword of the Spirit.

Scripture for This Month

Psalm 27:14

"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."

Week 1: the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him

Read Isaiah 40:10 (and the whole chapter)

Week 2: equip yourself with the armor of God

Read Ephesians 6

Week 3: taste and see

Read Psalm 34:8

Week 4: hold your peace

Read Ex 14:14 (and the whole chapter)

Enjoy the journey

Where do you see yourself in the years to come? What are your deepest dreams? Sometimes we are so caught up in the results or the outcome of the journey we are on that we get forget to be happy and enjoy every bit of the process. When God promises to take you somewhere or to give you something, He often doesn't tell you the details of the process, or give you a clear roadmap. He will sometimes operate like a puzzle by giving you just some pieces of His plan and expects you to totally trust Him in the process. For instance, if someone tells you: we are going to New Delhi and gives you all the details of the journey and the resources to get there, and this person delays, you may lose patience and set off without him/her won't you? (well maybe not...) The reason why God will sometimes keep you from knowing all the details of His plan is to test your trust in Him and your love for Him. He said in John 14: 23 that if you love me you will obey what I tell you to do without questioning (paraphrased). Abraham passed this test twice: when God asked him to set off on a journey without knowing the destination (Gen 12:1) and then later on He asked him to sacrifice his one and only son (Gen 22:2). Abraham obeyed without questioning God. Another reason why God will sometimes keep you from knowing the whole detail of the journey He has set you on is to protect you. There may be some dangers along the road but if you lose your patience (as the analogy with the guy who wants to go to New Delhi), you may run straight into it and lose your promise. However, if you truly love the Lord you will wait on Him, you will enjoy His company, you will heed to His voice and to His instructions. You will gladly obey everything He asks even if this means being persecuted, leaving your comfort zone, being misunderstood by others, or looking awkward. Maybe like Joseph (Gen 37:5) God may give you a glimpse of what He has for you in order to keep you striving in the midst of adversity, to encourage you and to give you something to fix your eyes on when you feel like giving up. You may think you are the only one who wants that dream/promise so bad, but know that God too can't wait for you to get it ! He is more excited about it than you are! Everything He gives or promises you is for a purpose, it's all part of His divine plan. He delights in blessings you, in seeing that smile on your beautiful face that He created with so much care and passion (Psalm 149:4). The part you play is to obey His instructions and guidance. The only way you can show The Lord that you love Him is to obey His instructions. Obedience is not always fun but look up to the reward set before you (Ph 3:13b) and pass the test. One day you will reach your destination and that journey will only become a memory. So make it a memorable one. Don't settle for less. God has greater things that 'no eyes have seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived what [He] has prepared' for you (1 Corin 2:9). Remain in the joy of the Lord, and for now, just relax and enjoy the journey!

with love,

Eva-Marianne