These last couple weeks I have been struggling with keeping focused and taking time to sit and soak up time with God. And unfortunately, today was not any different. I managed to find links on Facebook that "needed to be checked" as well as taking an extra long time to figure out breakfast and writing a "To Do List". So, by the time I actually drew myself away from those things, I was feeling very frustrated, very distracted, and not really sure just how much I'd get from my devotions.
I started my prayer journal with, "
What do you want me to learn today, God?... Will you open my mind to the lessons you have for me?" I read through Isaiah 10, not really being inspired by anything except for the fact that Isaiah was hard core and that I admired his persistence and faith. Then I switched over to Patriarchs and Prophets chapter 31, "Hope for the Heathen, which dug deeper into Isaiah's time period. This is where I found the little jewels that encouraged me in my walk.
Chapter 31 in Patriarchs and Prophets
"No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption...
His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere... In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free." p. 369-70
"Heaven's plan of salvation is broad enough to embrace the whole world. God longs to breathe in to prostrate humanity the breath of life. And He
will not permit any soul to be disappointed who is sincere in his longing for something higher and nobler than anything the world can offer.
Constantly He is sending His angels to those who, while surrounded by circumstances the most discouraging, pray in faith for some power higher than themselves to take possession of them and
bring deliverance and peace. In various ways God will reveal Himself to them and will place them in touch with providences that will establish their confidence in the One who has given himself a ransom for all..." p. 377-78
That second section is what really jumped out at me. The mental picture of God leaning over offering us something more, something that will give life to our lives. It encouraged me that I really am not alone, I've got hope, and that I need to continue to fight the fight of faith. I've got an awesome, patient, present and long suffering God.
How is God speaking to you today?