Going through the fire!

Read:

1 Peter 1:6-9 (AMP): “In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not even see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy, receiving as the result [the outcome, the consummation] of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to:

Not lose heart when faced with difficulties, but to grab hold of Jesus to lead us in our challenges. The enemy will stop at nothing to mislead us, keep us from being in the Word, sow mistrust about God’s goodness and faithfulness, and plant fear that God will leave or forsake us. May we stand firm in our faith, allowing God’s Holy Spirit to fill us with strength and wisdom for the battles of life. The evil one knows that our power comes from Christ alone. As we spend time with Jesus, let’s not pray with closed Bibles. May we allow God’s Word to fill us with truth, wisdom, life and direction. As we reflect and rejoice about our past victories, we can pray faith-filled prayers for the struggles we have today, and know that our Father will fight for us tomorrow! When we surrender every inch of our being to God, we no longer have to walk in fear. We don’t need to be shocked or afraid about the fires of life! We can stand firm on God’s promises. He is going ahead of us and cares about every detail of our lives. Regardless of our current season and circumstance, may our response be one of faith and surrender to God.
The world may associate the word ‘surrender’ with an act of defeat. But God’s perspective of surrender is actually related to the gift of freedom… It involves allowing His Holy Spirit to transform us and make us new. A life of surrender requires TRUST and unwavering FAITH! May we not forget the loving kindness and goodness of our Father. May we be reminded of His faithfulness in our lives through all seasons. May we walk boldly in step with Him, courageously laying down anything that is not producing Kingdom fruit! When difficulty knocks on our door, we can faithfully walk the journey of healing and restoration, knowing and trusting that we are walking towards victory. May we stand steadfast, with obedient hearts – trusting and rejoicing with inexpressible joy that we are saved, healed and restored because of our unfailing faith and God’s amazing grace.

So let us each declare the following today:

– My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26).
– I can rejoice because even if my body is weak, God is my strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).
– I will be strong and courageous, unafraid and encouraged, for the LORD our God is with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9).
– I will wait on the Lord because He will renew my strength. I will run and not grow weary, I will walk and won’t faint (Isaiah 40:31).
– God will give me strength for the battle and victory over my enemies (Psalm 18:39).
– The Lord will fight for me; I only need to be still (Exodus 14:14).
– I am more than a conqueror through Jesus who loves me (Romans 8:37).
– I will be still and know that God is in control, and He will be exalted among the nations and throughout the earth (Psalm 46:10).

Pray:

Lord, we come into Your presence, humbled before Your Word. Would You open our eyes and show us the season we’re in. Explain to us what we’re supposed to do in this time. And then Lord, I pray that You’ll give us the courage to let go when we need to let go… to love when we need to love… and to forgive when we need to forgive. Father, we love You so much, and we pray these things in Your name.

Father, thank You not only for Your Word, but for Your presence in our lives. Lord, I pray through the coming days and weeks, that we will submit to You, that we will hand over the things we are carrying to You – because Your way is much greater and much better for us. So Lord, I ask that through the power of Your Holy Spirit, that You would reveal things in our lives that we can hand over to You as we walk this journey with You. In Jesus’ name.

Father God, I just want to thank You. Thank You that You are a good, good Father. Thank You that You are God, and that You have given us Your Holy Spirit to walk with us through this journey called life. We ask that You will bring the lies we are holding on to into Your light. Lord, bring the things that are in our minds and keeping us stuck and numb to light, so we may walk in the victory that Christ has given us. Thank You Lord, that we can open ourselves up to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Come fill us afresh Lord, so we can walk in everything that You have given us. We praise Your holy, holy name.

Lord, thank You so much that You’ve not left us in these battles alone. You have been with us in the past, You are with us in today’s battle, and You’re going to be with us in the battles of the future – whatever those may be. They may be big, and they may be overwhelming. The giants in the land were big for the Israelites! But Moses reminded them, “don’t fear, don’t be afraid, God’s going to fight for us.”  I pray as we look ahead that we’ll remember that You are with us. Would You renew our hearts, set our minds on You and anchor our hearts in the truth of who You are and what You’ve done? I pray this all in the name of Jesus.

So Father God, today we give You all the glory! Thank You for Your unfailing GOODNESS,  unconditional LOVE and the greatest, most expensive gifts that we have received through Jesus – GRACE and ETERNAL HOPE! Thank You that when we go through the fire, we can trust and know that You will strengthen us, heal us, and draw us closer to Your holy ground and presence. You restore us and help us mature in our calling. You redefine the true meaning of hope, trust, truth, and love. We find peace and joy in You, and You alone. So today, we recommit our lives to You. We long to pursue You, Your will and Your presence above all. Help us through Your Spirit to discern what is important, true and holy in Your sight, so that our lives may shine Your glorious life-giving light into all the world. Now, to You be the praise and honour, and glory forever. Amen.

(This WRAP is with great appreciation to Monica, Denise G, Janine DT and Michael B)

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