Cultivating Dependence on God

God at the Centre

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

“Cultivating Dependence on God”

Joshua 21:45; 23:14-15

                Does God keep His promises? Throughout scripture God’s

promises are called ‘very great and precious” 2 Peter 1;4.  Some of His promises were made specifically to an individual, a group, or a nation. We must be careful not to claim promises intended for someone else. But many of those in the OT are ours to claim today. “Joshua 1:5  “ I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In Hebrews13:5 God transfers this promise to Christians.

                God’s promises are to be believed and used. We are to learn what they are through reading and memorization, by seeing our need for them through meditative prayer and by giving God time to work them out in our daily experience. And of God’s promises that we can claim in Jesus’ name are guaranteed and will be performed for us by God.

                We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). That promise is a solid anchor when we are troubled. Paul knew this for he knew what it was to suffer hardship, persecution, indifference, betrayal, loneliness, stonings, beatings, shipwrecks, nakedness, destitution, sleeplessness and pressures. But Paul had confidence in God who promised to sustain him and us also. For near his death, Paul stated, “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Tim.1:12)

                Each of us face difficult situations from time to time. Every trial we face is an opportunity for God to demonstrate that He is the One we can always depend upon, no matter what. An example of this is when King Hezekiah saw God demonstrate his care.  Isaiah 37

1.       Hezekiah acknowledged that he had a problem. V.1

2.       He sought to know what God’s Word said about his problem v.2-7

3.       He didn’t allow anything to distort his perspective vd.8-13

4.       He prayed to God- worshiping Him and then presenting his request and finally asking that God would be glorified v.14-20

As a means of facing difficulties these same steps may be used to receive God’s help and to get to know God even better

1.       Acknowledge the problem.

2.       Look to God’s word about this problem

3.       Don’t distort your perspective

4.       Pray- worship present the request and ask that God be glorified..

WHAT a difference it will make!!

Luis Palau, “God at the Center: Habits for Spiritual Growth” ODB Ministries, p.13-16.