Prayer Journal
Thursday, January 16, 2003
"...whom he prepared in advance for glory..." Romans 9:23
Just one little phrase in the middle of a blessing from God's Word - but what words they are! God showed us a preview of His vast riches by bestowing on us His Holy Spirit. But perhaps the greatest thing about His work and His calling is that it happened before hand - in advance.
Yes, we are called; called by God to do His work under the glorious canopy of His glory. How great is that! God called us out before we were even born to make us vessels of honor. I hope everyone reading this understands the weight of responsibility we bear because of what He has done for us.
I'm the first to admit that heaven seems far away sometime. The concerns of life can be overwhelming at times, blocking the light of that glory. And from life's long shadow, I often have difficulty imagining what it was like before. Then God's Word breaks through the darkness and scatters the night. God's glory is not gone, but its covered by clouds of doubt and disbelief.
Scripture says we are His people, called out to be righteous by faith (Vs. 31). But I wonder how many of us would rather stay in the dark of unbelief rather than trust in God to lead us out? Again, I'm afraid that too many times I'm counted among that number.
I want to encourage you today to have hope. No matter what obstacle blocks your path or what trap has you detained, God' grace is great enough to set you free. As the songwriter said, "His grace is greater than our sin."
A friend of mine has seen more trouble in this life than anything one might imagine. If there's a person with the right to say their circumstances are hopeless and their future dark, it's him. But he has great trust in God. He often reminds me, "the darkest hour is just before dawn; hold on brother - joy comes in the morning."
And what hope can get us through the dark? It is simply this: it will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Enough said.
Just Thinkin'... WebServant
Scripture comes
from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New
York International Bible Society
Copyright © 1998-2003
James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries - All Rights Reserved
I'll pray today for...
* My spouse
* My children
* Their friends
* My friends
* My employer
* My city
* My country
* Civic leaders
* Schools
* Teachers
* The sick
* The lost
* Those in despair
* The hospitalized
* The grieving
* Widows
* Orphans
* My church
* My pastor
* Church leaders
* Other churches
* Persecuted church
* Missionaries
* Myself
