By: Elizabeth Haarberg

The Past Can Encourage

To listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

The Bible is the Holy Spirit inspired word of God. It not only speaks to us today, it takes us back into the past to give a testimony of hope of what God has done throughout history. This is so we have something of substance to call on when we may have doubts. The Bible is full of stories of kings and queens with terrible intentions, people in power that want to pull the strings of fate. Though their desire is to cause destruction, God exhibits over and over how his love and power conquer evil.

Exodus 1 and 2 tell the story of how the Pharaoh declares that all boys who are born must drown in the Nile River. Moses is born at this time and is spared by the Pharaoh’s sister. He is raised as an Egyptian, though he is an Israelite. Through his spared life, Moses is asked by God to take the Israelites out of Egypt.

In 1 Samuel, David is anointed as king but serves King Saul and is hunted and almost murdered by him multiple times. David lives, but his path to becoming King is not easy.

The examples in history of people who have overcome and become great servants of God through hardship are endless.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 English Standard Version

There are some concerns in and about our country right now. Personally, I’m having a difficult time knowing who to believe, but I continue to come back to the one source of truth, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Rest in the peace of the unknown and the mystery that God will take care of you and when He calls your name, you will rise up and serve.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27 English Standard Version

Listen to His voice, read the word of God, pray and worship. Focus on what He has done and is doing and don’t get distracted by the unknown. Relish the mystery of God.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 English Standard Version

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