Weekly Devoational - "Everything Is Against Me!" - 10/29/12

from Lenae, GEMS Training Manager

 

EVERYTHING IS AGAINST ME!

Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin.

Everything is against me!”

Genesis 42:36

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

There are days when things seem stacked against us, are there not? Computers crash. Clients rant. Babies teethe. Appliances break. Calls drop. Dinner burns. Friends disappoint. Storms surge.

Even our thoughts can rack havoc against us: You can’t do this. You’re not who people think you are. Do you really think you can make a difference? Look around. It’s hopeless! You’re hopeless! You’ll never change. Quit now; it’s not worth it.

When circumstances and the chatter in your head, come against you, don’t retreat. Remember! Remember the One who is for you! God is for us! (Romans 8:31)

Have stinkin’ thinkin’ self-doubt? Go to the One who is for you! He promises that you can do all things in His strength (Philippians 4:13).

Is shame threatening to sink you? Focus on your Savior, Advocate and Redeemer. He is for you! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).

Does the image in your mirror sicken you? Think on your Maker who is for you and formed you! He says, “You are my masterpiece. I made you fearfully and wonderfully” (Psalm 139:14).

Are obstacles and opposition draining your desire to do good? Consider Him who is for you! He endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).

Has discouragement beat you down? Look up! God is on your side in every situation! Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23).

When life feels like it’s against you, remember that feelings are not facts. God is for you! Stand confident in His care. Put on His armor. Claim His promises with conviction. I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Thanks be to God!

Think on it: What feels against you today? Memorize Romans 8:31 and trade in feelings for facts. God is for you!

Emotions don’t tell the truth. Just because you have a feeling about something doesn’t make it a reality.

Joyce Meyer