Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.” (Matt. 7:25).
READ: Matthew 14:22-25
Apart from Abraham, another Bible character who benefited from great divine promises was Joseph. In Genesis 37:3-11, he saw his brothers bowing to him in a dream. This was followed by another dream in which his whole family, including his father, bowed to him. These were great promises for young Joseph. By a twist of fate, the one who was expecting to occupy a throne and enjoy the obeisance of others was a slave en route Egypt (Gen. 39:15). Later, In Genesis 39:19-23, he found himself in prison. Oh! How he would have wondered: ‘God! What of your promises to me?’ Eventually, after several years, he found himself on the throne of Egypt with his brothers doing obeisance and offering to be his servants. One thing we learn from this is that the one who has God’s promise may be required to go through situations that seem to negate it. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of nations, yet, he spent several years in childlessness. In the same vein, God promised Joseph honour, and respect and a position of relevance with virtually everyone at his beck and call; yet, he spent several years serving others, taking instructions from them. In both cases, nonetheless, God’s Word prevailed.
This tells us that one who is undergoing an unpleasant situation has the potential of experiencing the exact opposite of what he or she is going through. Are you the laughing stock of those around you? Shortly, you shall be celebrated by all and sundry. Are you barren now? Soon, you shall be a joyful parent. Have you been meeting with several disappointments? Don’t give up! An appointment that will rewrite your history for good is just around the corner. Satan’s strategy is to make you experience everything contrary to God’s promise for your life so that you can give up on His promise. Don’t give up! If you remain dogged in the fight and continue to hold on to God’s Word, the devil will give up. Another lesson here is that the negative situations you go through are not powerful enough to stop God’s promises from coming to pass. Expect contrary winds, but hold on to God’s Word that is forever settled. In today’s reading, the Lord asked the disciples to go to the other side, yet they still faced contrary winds that got them stuck mid-sea for hours! As you hold on firmly to His Word, every contrary wind will give way this season!
ACTION POINT
A house, family or project built on the Rock will withstand any storm or wind. Build on the Rock.
Bible in One year: Luke 10-13
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