Jennifer
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Yesterday, a {Boxing Title Match} was held in my heart. Two heavyweight champions fought for the reigning title of Ultimate Victor. Instead of writing the promised blog post on “how to have a quiet time with Jesus during these busy days”, I spent the day refereeing this famous fight in my heart and mind. It was an all day battle between “Faith” and “Sight”.
One minute “Sight” would knock “Faith” out cold. Then the Words of the Lord hidden in my heart would whisper to me, and “Faith” would arise the momentary victor! Faith would remain victorious until “Sight” looked around and reminded me of how few days of insurance we have left, etc….Then “Faith” was down for the count.
The battle raged all day, and I was exhausted and emotionally spent by bedtime. But, Praise the Lord!, in the end, “Faith” won! When I clung to God’s Word, and started recounting the many ways the Lord has taken care of us in the past, and when I remembered the promises He has given us for our future, “Sight” was defeated!!!
Unfortunately, because of the nature of being human, the fight isn’t over. “Sight” will come back for a re-match one of these days. But Faith muscles were built yesterday that will come in handy during the next Title Match.
And I learned something in that battle: “Sight” can only gain control of the fight when we take our eyes off of what we KNOW to be true – God’s love and concern for us, His provisions, and His plans for us that are GOOD!
This morning, my husband shared Charles Surgeon’s “Morning by Morning” devotion with me, and I wanted to pass it along to you. What a blessed reminder to all of us when “Faith” and “Sight” are boxing for the Title of our lives!!! I’ll be reading and re-reading this today as the Lord heals my wounds from yesterday’s fight. May He bless and strengthen You with it, too. 🙂
“Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you.” (Isaiah 30:18)
God often delays in answering prayer. We have several instances of this in sacred Scripture. Jacob did not get the blessing from the angel until near the dawn of day – he had to wrestle all night for it.
The poor woman of Syrophenicia was answered not a word for a long while. Paul sought the Lord three times that “the thorn in the flesh” might be taken from him. He received no assurance that it would be taken away, but instead received a promise that God’s grace would be sufficient for him.
If you have been knocking at the gate of mercy and have received no answer, I will tell you why the mighty Maker has not opened the door and let you in.
Our Father has reasons peculiar to Himself for keeping us waiting. Sometimes it is to show His power and His sovereignty so that men may know that Jehovah has a right to give or to withhold.
More frequently the delay is for our profit. Perhaps you are kept waiting in order that your desires may be more fervent. You will prize the gift all the more because of its long tarrying.
There may also be something in you that needs to be removed before the joy of the Lord is given.
If your prayers are not immediately answered, they are certainly not forgotten. Your prayers are filed in Heaven. In a little while your prayers will be fulfilled to your satisfaction. Do not let despair make you silent. Continue in earnest supplication.”
December 9, “Morning by Morning” by C. H. Spurgeon.
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