“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us..” – (Ephesians 3:20).
We return to Apostle Paul’s last missionary voyage (Acts 27) where he suffered a shipwreck. In the midst of all, something striking ocurred.
After the ship with its 276 sailors on board had been battered by the storms and gloom had taken over with little hope of survival, Paul rose and decided to encourage the men around who were all downcast. “But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed” (vv 22).
What gave Paul so much hope and confidence in spite of the fact that theirs was a sinking ship certainly we must ask. Paul’s confidence was first, because God had told him all would be well ( vv 23) but also because he had seen the hand of God rescue him innumerable times when pressed against the wall. Once he and his travelling companion Silas were arrested and flogged for preaching the Gospel, only to be miraculously let loose while in jail. “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16: 25-26).
Now, just like Paul anyone may experience seemingly impossible situations. Paul relied on God’s word to him and also past experience to remain confident God will deliver him. All which begs the question- in your life haven’t you seen God rescue you from impossible situations! So, if God did it in the past, why not this time!!!
Today may your faith rise above circumstances just as was Paul. Like him look back on the times God was there for you and just remember- He never fails!
Prayer for today: Lord father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I look back and see how you have carried me through impossible situations before, so, I have the faith that whatever situation I am facing, you will save me and bring victory, for your glory, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
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18/05/2024 - 19/05/2024 All day“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:15)
Perhaps one of the most inspiring passages in the Bible with enduring lessons is where Moses pleads to Pharaoh to let the Jews go. Instead Pharaoh dared Moses if he had the power as that of a king. Challenged to “perform a miracle” Moses turned to Aaron who threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs (Exodus 7: 9-12).
What we see here is the presence of occult powers in high places, as is true even today. A common mistake by some is to deny the existence of the occult behind certain thrones or power centers, especially in instances where we find those putting on a genteel manner of social respectability. There are also those who through their education and confined exposure to the spirit realm of things, doubt the existence of occult powers. The reality is that in the world we live in the enemy is much at work. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In this passage we see that while Pharaoh did release his snakes the staff God had placed in the hands of his messenger, Moses, was far greater and swallowed all. Here is the point. As believers we do have a far greater and mighty power to protect us from any attacks of the enemy. It is the blood of the lamb. As it is written, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony...” (Revelation 12:11).
Today whatever snakes you may encounter from anywhere be assured that you have a far greater power than of the enemy. It is the blood of Jesus. As His word says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray for protection from the attacks of the enemy by the blood of the lamb, this I pray in Jesus’name.
