Joy Comes in the Morning. Richard Amoaye

turned from the reality of his life to encounter God.

      Anytime we have an encounter with God it’s an opportunity to contemplate and reflect on how far He has brought us, the things we have overcome in our lives to be exactly where we are. We must not settle or give up and accept where we are as our ultimate destination, however. We must allow the realities that we encountered along the way to bring us to a point of assurance and realisation that the vision is God’s vision and through it all He will bring us to an expected end.

      Take Home

      To get to the point where we encounter God, we must be reflective and as observant as Moses was. It is not only him but many other people in scripture who received clarity from God by taking time to notice him.

      Prayer

      Father thank you today for reviving dreams in my spirit again. I refuse to settle for anything less. I believe that you are still doing exceedingly abundantly above all that we may ask. I let go of all my personal ambitions and I take on your vision. Amen

      Further Reading: Exodus 3:10; Psalm 39:1–4

      DAY 4: Disappointment

       “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.”

      Matthew 4:23–24 (NKJV)

      Rᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ healing ministry of Jesus gives great insight into the journeys and challenges of the people who encountered Him. In Matthew 4, we learn that Jesus healed all who came and were brought to Him at that time. There is no doubt that ALL who were healed would have gone home very happy and high on faith and praise because their expectations had been met and they received what they came for. When we read these scriptures, it is only natural for our attention to be captured by the positives. That is, the healings for example. This is because the positives give us hope.

      We give less attention to the other circumstances that were also surrounding Jesus in the crowds that gathered around him. For example, reading further in the book of Matthew we learn in chapter 13:58, that Jesus “did not many mighty works there [his hometown] because of their unbelief.” This suggests that there were among those in the crowd who would have come with hopes of being healed, however, they went home without what they had come in search of. They would have gone home disappointed by the fact that Jesus did not meet their expectations regardless of the reasons. It does bring us to the question of how this would have affected their faith?

      I have met many Christians who go to church regularly but deep inside, their faith has been affected by disappointments with God, their church and their pastors. These individuals feel like they have been given false hope and have subsequently, let disappointment overtake their lives. In our Christian faith we are encouraged to believe God for many things, including healing and blessings. There are times when it will appear our belief is working, and that God is doing exactly what we expect of Him. However, it is important to remember that God moves according to His will and the purpose He has for our lives. Therefore, there will be instances when things will not be as we desire, and we get disappointed.

      The miracle that we are expecting may not always happen when we want it to. God knows the right time for the miracle that we need. If our expectation is aligned with the purpose, He has for us and we are living according to His instructions, it will surely come to pass.

      I do not say this to water down your faith or suggest you accept your circumstances as final, instead it is to strengthen your hope in God. It is important to ensure your primary understanding of God and His ways is based on the scriptures. Learn to be patient, grow and mature in your walk and understanding of God and His timing.

      Take Home

      As you wait on your healing do not allow your condition to place limitations on you but everyday begin to take steps that defy your condition and redefine what you can and cannot do. Allow the following statement God made through the prophet Isaiah to encourage you.

      Prayer

      Father thank you for the spirit of patience and endurance in my life. I receive the grace to handle any disappointments in my life with maturity. As Abraham walked in faith and didn’t stumble so I also choose to walk in faith and not to stumble. Let not bitterness take root in my life but let your joy be the anchor of my soul. I am confident today that every word concerning life shall surely come to pass. Amen

      Further Reading: Isaiah 55:10–11