Devotion from John

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to put into practice what we talked about last week. So here is
my devotions from today. Things are going well here. I feel a little attacked
as we lost our passport (but found them), Teara got a little sick, and a
proposal I was hoping for didn´t go through. But God is still so faithful. He
provides the right word at the right moment. Here was what He shared with me-

S: "By faith Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren-
was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made
the promise." -Hebrews 11:11

o: Abraham lived in a very difficult situation. Childless and a nomad, he
needed to learn to trust in God for direction and provision. He went through
times of barrenness and needed to trust God even when it seemed impossible.
Abraham, although imperfect had faith. It wasn´t about how good Abraham was
because he made plently of mistakes. It shows here it was about how good and
faithful our God is. As we love Him, we see His goodness come to life.

A: Lord, I know disappointment and challenges. A lthough I consider myself
blessed, I face seasons of barrenness and sorrow. Sometimes I wish you would
part the heavens and speak to me. But it is then I remember I am more blessed
than Abraham. You spoke into Abrahams life, but I have the blessing of not
only knowing your words to him, but to thousands of others that you have
touched and directed in the bible. We are so blessed today to have Jesus and
God´s word. As we trust God at His word, by cating and living as the bible
says, we will see his fruitfulness in seasons of barrenness (Jeremiah 29:11),
comfort for the weary (come to me all those who are weary and I will give you
rest), and forgiveness and new life (John 3:16).
We are tempted by the devil to let minor setbacks and disappointments get us
down and rock our faith. But it is times like these we are given the
opportunity to build our faith. In the world, not getting a proposal,
betrayl,sickness, etc are hardships worth complaining about. But with God 1st
in our lives, these sad things become opportunities to grow and advance in
character and to improve in ways that matter eternally. The next time we face
these challenges, they will be less of a burden. Furtrhermore, we are better
equiped in faith to handle what God has next for us as we grow in faith.

It is God who is faithful. He wants us to be successful and fulfilled, but in
ways that matter. To claim success for the fruits of faith is like placking a
piece of wood in water and saying we made it float. That was God´s design.
But when we know it is His will not ours and it is His goodness that provides,
He will teach us to build arks to save many and bring glory to His name.

P: Lord, teach me to trust in your ways through times of dissapointment so that
I might bless you and others more and more. Teach me to serve well. Amen.