Encouragement from THE Word

So the Lord has really encouraged me through His word this week and I just had to share. It's been too good not to!

After writing last week about how God has given me victory in my battle with infertility I started to feel down and noticed some despair and worry creeping in. I knew this was wrong and figured that Satan was trying to attack me since I had so boldly proclaimed victory. If he could get me thinking that God really wasn't taking care of me and that my victory really wasn't so sure he'd have me right where he wanted me.

Well, I was praying about it on Wednesday morning and confessing my sin and doubt and praying for victory over Satan. As I was doing my Bible study (I've been doing Beth Moore's Esther study with a friend of mine) Beth was showing us how the word for "presents" in Esther 9:19 is the same Hebrew root word as "lot" in Esther 3:7 and in Psalm 16:5. In Psalm 16:5 David says that his lot is secure with the Lord and God had assigned him his portion and his cup. He goes on to say in verse 6 that his boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places and he has a delightful inheritance. Now, remember I had just been praying about my doubts about God's plans for me and asking for forgiveness for not trusting Him and He gives me these verses! How cool is that? Beth went on to say:

"No matter what life- or Satan himself- hands us, the favor God has on His children causes that "lot" to tumble out on the table in such a way that, instead of destruction, the child will discover that her portion turned into destiny one trusting step at a time. When all is said and done, she will see that the portion God assigned her was good. Right. Rich. Full of purpose."

I was overwhelmed once again with God's goodness to encourage me through His word. What a blessing and a privilege!

Then, today in our study we were wrapping things up and were reexamining the theme of God's Providence in the book of Esther. Beth gave us three verses to remind us of God's Providence and hand in our lives: Eph. 1:11, Philippians 2:13 and Romans 8:28. Here is what they say (bolding by me for emphasis):

-Eph. 1:11- "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."

-Phil. 2:13- "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

-Rom. 8:28- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Beth pointed out that these three verses show the "balanced sides of God's Providence....in other words, every time He shifts us here or moves us there on this earthbound chessboard, He's not just fulfilling His own pleasure regardless of its impact on you. He's also working every detail- even the dreadful ones- to your good and my good."

These words brought tears to my eyes as God once again confirmed His Sovereign plan in my life and this it's for His purpose and for my good. Wow! And then, to top it off the Spirit reminded me how in each of the last 3 Bible studies I've done over the past three years (this one on Esther, one on the Tabernacle and one on Daniel) this theme has emerged and I was struck anew that this is another one of God's overarching themes throughout the Bible. He has a plan and it is for my good and for His purpose! How could I not trust Him? He can't not be faithful (2 Tim. 2:13)! What a good God I serve and how faithful He is to remind me of this. I just had to sit and praise Him for awhile after this.

So, be encouraged today. God has a plan and it is for His good purpose. Please don't miss the importance of spending time in His word and in prayer too. I would've missed this sweet revelation if I'd neglected this time in His word. Finally, make note of those times when God gives you fresh revelation and encouragement. Those are times you don't want to forget. Share them with others too. His truth is meant to be shared!

Blessings!