GOSPEL CORNER ! …BEING FULLY PERSUADED THAT GOD HAD POWER TO DO WHAT HE HAD PROMISED.Romans 4:21, NIV

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word

Today’s Scripture
…being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:21, NIV

Fully Persuaded
The Scripture talks about Abraham being fully persuaded that God would do what He promised even when it seemed impossible for him and Sarah to have a baby.

When you’re fully persuaded, you’re not going to change your mind. You’re not going to let people talk you out of it. You’re not going to let circumstances cause you to quit believing. Before you see the promise, there’s a waiting period. When you don’t see anything happening, every thought will tell you, “You’re wasting your time. Just accept that it’s never going to happen.” That’s a test. God is seeing what you’re made of. Are you going to get talked out of it, or are you going to be fully persuaded? You have to dig down deep and say, “I’m not moved by what’s not changing. I’m not discouraged because it’s taking so long. I’m not worried because it’s not improving. I know God is a faithful God. I’ve seen Him do it in the past, and I know He’ll do it again in the future.”

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that my faith and trust are anchored to You and Your power at work in my life. Thank You that I don’t have to be moved by the tests and troubles I face because I am fully persuaded You will do what You promised. I declare that my hope is in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

SECTION TWO

Storms of life. You know them well. They overwhelm you. Wave after wave of relentless battering that knocks you off your feet till you don’t know which side is up. Till every ounce of energy is used up and you feel so weak, abandoned, and lonely. Perhaps you’re caught in one of life’s storms right now.

When the disciples of Jesus were out at sea, caught in a turbulent tempest, and tossed by the waves, who came to them in their darkest hour? It was Jesus Himself (Matt. 14:22–33). Jesus came in style, walking on the raging waters. The loving Savior came to them at their exact point of need to rescue them.

What does this tell you? That He is above the storms. He walks above—He is greater than—every adversity and opposition that you may be facing right now, and He comes to you to rescue you!

With the billowing waves beneath His feet, His first words to His disciples were, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here!” (Matt. 14:27 NLT). What comfort those words must have brought to the disciples who were exhausted and shaking with fear for their lives.

My friend, when the storms of life rage, don’t go by what you see and hear all around you. Don’t go by your negative feelings and emotions. Live by the truth of God’s Word, which encourages you to “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic . . . For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deut. 31:6 NLT).

Our God is a personal and loving God who is with you in your boat right in the midst of the howling storm. He knows how to lead you to victory every time. He cannot fail you!