Text: Genesis 13:14-18
Memory verse:
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
(I Corinthians 2:9)
Do you know that If God takes away something you never expected to lose, He will surely replace it with something you never imagined you can have? Pastoring a fully air conditioned 300 capacity church sitting on a one-plot of land was a great thing to us. We stood out among our colleagues in our denominational circle. Others considered our work as great exploits. But suddenly, the storm came, blew and brought down everything within a short time. It was like a day dream! We made all efforts to resist the storm but the more we did, the more damaging was it’s effect. We lost all that we had laboured to build for years.
Sometimes we hold tightly to things, thinking that they are the best that God has to offer. The truth is that we have no idea what God has in store for us. Unknown to us that God was just waiting for us to trust Him so He could pour out those blessings on us. Our best is never behind us but ahead of us, as our memory text says.
When we finally stopped struggling with God and allowed Him to have His way, He moved us through the wilderness and eventually brought us to a broad place. “He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” (Psa 18:19). Even nature has a way of losing some things to get something better. For example, as children develop, they lose their milk teeth to grow something better and stronger. Likewise, Isaac was surprised to lose the wells which his servants had dug in Gerar to the contentions and hostilities of the indigenous herdsmen. But because, he didn’t hold tightly to them, even when he didn’t understand why they had to do such to him, God moved him to a far better place. God moved him to Rehoboth, a broad and fruitful land (Gen 26:17-22).
Also, God sometimes takes some people out of your life to prevent them from frustrating God’s purpose for your life. They may be your close friends, close associates or even close family members. When God called Abram, Lot, his nephew wasn’t included in it. But Abram loved Lot that he took him along. Unfortunately, Lot became a cog in the wheel for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in his life. Abram couldn’t progress until Lot had separated from him. And as soon as he left, God appeared to Abram again. “And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him ..;” (Gen 13:14).
God may also remove some people from your life because they may pose a danger for you now or in the future.
You hold tightly to such people because you don’t know them nor know the future. But God sees the heart. He sees all of the secret thoughts and conversations that they may have about you which you don’t know. So, God removes them to protect you and gives you people better than them.
Friends, learn to trust God’s judgment. Always know that nothing can frustrate His plans for your life, for He will rather remove the stumbling blocks to give you something far better. Hallelujah!
Prayer points
1. Father, help me to surrender to You and Your ways, even when I don’t understand what You are doing in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, give me something far better than what I have lost in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. I know that If God takes away something I never expected to lose, He will surely replace it with something I never imagined I can have.
2. God takes away anything or anyone that is capable of frustrating His plans for my life.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng