26/07/23
JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
John 12:10–11, NIV
With the Blessing
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, it was a great miracle. You would think everyone would celebrate that this man had life again. But the leaders in the synagogue didn’t like the fact that it brought more attention to Jesus. They made plans to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. God had chosen to bless Lazarus and make him an example of His goodness. But with that great blessing came great persecution. In the end, however, the leaders’ plan never succeeded. They failed to kill Lazarus. That’s because people can’t stop your destiny. The blessing on your life is greater than any force that’s trying to hold you back.
If God is going to bless you in a greater way, you have to be able to handle greater persecution. Don’t get upset when people turn on you. Don’t be bitter or revengeful and try to pay them back. Ignore it. Keep shining, keep dreaming, keep being good to people, and God will deal with the critics, the jealous people, the opposition.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
“Father, thank You for every blessing that You have given me so richly to be enjoyed. Thank You for the people who celebrate all that You are doing in my life. Help me to handle the criticism or opposition that may come from those who get jealous. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
PART TWO
We have a God who wants us to run to Him. And the moment we do, He has promised that He will answer us. Not “might,” or “perhaps,” but a definite “will.” And He does not stop at merely assuring us that He will answer us. He goes on record for all eternity, saying, “I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him” (boldface mine).
Do you know why we can have the assurance that when we call on Him, He will answer us? It’s because of the divine exchange that took place at the cross, where our Lord Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46). He was forsaken—left helpless, totally abandoned, and deserted—so that today, we can have the confidence that our heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us (see Heb. 13:5). What a Savior!
Don’t you feel so loved and so cherished by our Lord? And He made it so easy for us to receive His promises—our part is to simply call upon Him and let Him be our God. Whatever you may be going through today, call upon Him right now and He will deliver and honor you!
Whenever I am troubled, I tell the Lord, “Lord, I am worried about this situation, but I place it in Your nail-pierced hands right now. I surrender into Your hands all my worries, concerns, and cares in this area.” Then, I receive His peace, and when the enemy tries to fire new arrows of fear into my heart and mind, I remind myself that the situation is already in the Lord’s hands. I remind myself of His promise that He will deliver me!
Are you living with panic attacks, fear, and chronic anxiety? Don’t allow the devil to cripple you with all kinds of negative mental pictures, or by replaying all the worst-case scenarios in your head. Call out to your Savior, Jesus Christ! He wants you to cast “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, boldface mine). You are not a sheep without a Shepherd, so stop trying to carry all your cares upon your own shoulders.
Whether it is a physical symptom, a financial challenge, or a family situation that you are anxious about, call upon Him and allow His peace to supernaturally guard your heart in every area that you are troubled (see Phil. 4:6–7).
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