Worship God in the misery I am going through!? Yep.
Are you serious? Yep.
How do I worship at a time like this? Decide in faith.
You have no idea how hard things are for me! Oh but God does.
FAITH
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "But without faith it is impossible to please (or worship) Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."
Do we believe God is present when we pray?
Do we believe God will 'reward' us for worshiping/seeking Him?
Do we diligently seek Him?
We have great examples from the lives of God's people who went before us. In studying their stories from the Bible and books written about them, these ordinary people (like us) used their faith - 'the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen'. (Hebrews 11:1)
Remember these?
- When Abraham was told to offer up his only son Isaac on a mountain in Moriah as the sacrifice to God? His response? He gave God his faith-filled obedience, an offering of praise! (See Genesis 22:1-10) How do we respond to God today when He requires us to remove everything that stands between us and Him?
- When Joseph, beloved son of Jacob was persecuted and taken by his kin, sold into slavery only to be raised up, and falsely accused by someone filled with deceit and lust. His response? He worshiped God by rejecting sin, trusting God's defense, and humbly surrendering his way to God. (See Genesis 39: 1-23) How do we respond to God when we are wrongly persecuted, falsely accused, or oppressed by others?
- When Hannah deeply wanted a child, but was unable to have one...imagine her pain! In the midst of great heaviness, shame and sadness. Her response? She worshiped God by pouring out her heart, then in faith promised her (yet unborn) son to His continual service. (See 1Samuel 1:9-11) How do we respond to God when we're tormented, when we don't have what we really want, or we lose something precious?
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Father in Jesus' name we ask You to help us to seek You first when we face the
challenges of life. Help us when it is so hard to have faith, when we continue in fear and doubt after prayer. Help us to quickly turn our hearts toward You in faith and give You our cares - as You ask. Put a song in our spirit, that we may worship you in the midst of hardship and trial. We cannot do this without the help of Your Holy Spirit, help us Lord. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayer. Amen.
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From where does this faith come? How can I have it? I'm so glad you asked...
In Part 2 of our study, "Worshiping God Through Our Wilderness", we'll examine verses from the Bible, which apply to our lives today, to further explore why worship is SO essential.
Thanks for checking us out, it is so wonderful to hear this blog is blessing you! Feel free to send this to anyone you think will be blessed by our study and prayer together - just click on the envelope link below.
Always praying for you,
Theresa
