"ESCAPISM" - A New Word For 4 Me

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." ~ Philippians 4:11

How do you handle your times in the valley or in the wilderness? How do you handle situations that you don't particularly like to be in? Most of us complain about it or pray for a way out it. I was thinking about that very thing this morning. There is a certain situation I had been praying that God would change, then this morning He spoke to me and said why didn't I pray that He would show me how to "go through it". We need to learn to be content where we are instead of seeking a route of escape. Whether we like it or not, there are some things we must go through. The valleys are needful in our lives. The wilderness does play a part. Even prisons, captivity, persecutions all can play a role in God's purpose and scheme of things. The backside of the dessert was a valuable place for Moses. The prison was a stepping stone to the palace for Joseph. Being presented before a heathen king was a set up for Esther. Too often we pray for a way out of the very place that we must go through in order to get us to where God wants to take us. His plan for you may take you to the valley. It took Jesus into the wilderness (Matthew 4), and the cross. If we would begin to pray that the Lord would show us how to go through it instead of how to escape out of it, we would benefit from it in the long run. We need to learn to be content instead of always wanting a way out just because it doesn't "suit" us. His grace is sufficient to see us through. This place that we are so eager to escape may be what brings us to the threshold of our destiny.Have a great day. Instead of complaining and trying to escape where you are, pray the Lord will show you "how" to go through it.
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Lorraine Ezell

He Paid A Price That We Could Not Pay!

As we approach the Resurrection season of celebration, my mind began to wonder how blessed we are as a people for the great sacrifice Christ made on our behalf. And while I was thanking God the Father for his precious gift to us, I thought about the fact that we did not even deserves the redemptive gift. My mind instantly went to the Apostle Paul's writings to the church at Rome, there in chapter 5 verse 7, he says "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us". How amazing.......................These are just a few scattered thoughts about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Appreciate, celebrate and embrace the gift of Christ everyday!

F. Demond
www.newcopasadena.org