Ministry Helps

Ministry Helps

Adversity

Joshua 1:9-10, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Psalm 147: 3, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

Special Note: All of us face adversity, discouragement, or disappointment. When we do, God stands ready to protect us. When we are troubled, we must call upon God, and then, in His own time and according to His own plan. He will intervene in a way that will glorify Christ in and through our lives.

• Intercession with the Lord

Matthew 7:7-11, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

James 5:16b, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Special Note: Prayer changes circumstances and more importantly it can change us. Instead of nursing thoughts in your mind that are displeasing to God, just turn those thoughts into prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, decide to let God lead the way. Christians too often limit their time in prayer, when God’s Word says pray continually, this is a commandment and it is our privilege to pray constantly about everything great and small. It is true the Lord wants to hear from you, NOW! He is always listening to prayers offered for the glory of Christ and in His perfect will.

Are you, your family, your friends and your church in great need? Ask of God in Christ’s Name to intervene. Are you troubled? Take all your concerns to the Lord in prayer. The Lord hears your prayers and will answer for the glory of God and Christ. In heaven we will fully understand all that He has allowed us to go through for Him. D. L. Moody wrote, “Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all.”

• Courage

Psalm 34:4, “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

Special Note: When the trials of life come rolling in like a severe storm and when we find ourselves in despair, our faith in Christ is put to the test, sometimes to the breaking point. The Word of God holds promises of supernatural peace found in and through Christ. Rest upon the truth the Lord loves us and He cares, therefore, be courageous and live courageously for with the Lord.

• God’s Plan

Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

Special Note: The Lord always has a plan to use you regardless of what circumstance you find yourself in. The Holy Spirit of Christ indwells the child of God and is fully able to use you. When it seems like your life is useless or you find yourself unable to do as you hope or once did, there is always the ministry of prayer which is the key ministry that has moved the Lord to deliver nations, brought healing into lives and brought souls to Christ. Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “God manages perfectly, day and night, year in and year out, the movement of the stars, the wheeling of the planets, the staggering coordination of events that goes on at molecular level in order to hold things together. There is no doubt that He can manage the timing of my days and weeks.” Why not take opportunities such as these to beseech Him?

• God’s Support

2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”

Nahum 1:7, The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

Special Note: The Lord God is fully able to protect His obedient children in times of trouble and give comfort through the Holy Spirit. It does not matter what we face the Holy Spirit of Christ is as near as our next breath. Therefore, build your lives on the rock that cannot be shaken, trust in Christ. C.H Spurgeon wrote, “He stands fast as your rock, steadfast as your watcher, valiant as your champion.”