02/07/24
JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES
Today’s Word
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
Deuteronomy 1:31, NIV
IN THE FATHER’S ARMS
When God brought the Israelite nation out of Egypt after being in slavery for ten generations, they were not prepared to survive in the wilderness. There was no food, and water was scarce, yet for forty years they never went without either. God gave them manna every morning and brought water out of a rock when they needed it. He supernaturally protected them against enemies and kept them from sickness on their way to the Promised Land. The whole time He was carrying them, sustaining them, as a father carries his children.
On the way to your promised land, to where God is taking you, there will be detours, people who do you wrong, times when you don’t see how it can work out. You don’t have the provision, the dream looks impossible, the obstacle too big. You’ll be tempted to worry, to live stressed out. No, stay in peace. Just as God did for them, He’s carrying you all the way until you get to your destination. You’re in your Father’s arms. He’s holding you tightly. Nothing can snatch you away.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You for loving me so much that at times You take me into a wilderness place to show me who You are. Thank You that no matter where I go or what I go through, You wrap Your arms around me and carry me. I believe that You are bringing me to where You want me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
SECTION TWO
All Christians probably believe that God has the power to bless, heal, protect, prosper, and make someone a success. However, we know that not all Christians believe that God is willing to do all that for them.
Matthew 8:1–3 records the story of a leper who came to Jesus for healing. He said, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” The leper did not doubt Jesus’ ability to heal him, but he was unsure if Jesus was willing to heal him, a leper who was ostracized by all.
In other words, he believed in God’s omnipotence, but was not sure if God’s heart was one of love and unmerited favor toward him. I am sure that you know believers who are like that.
They may believe in God’s power, but they are unsure of God’s heart toward them. They know that God can, but they are not sure if He is willing.
My friend, don’t be like that leper who completely misread Jesus! Let’s see how Jesus responded to him. This is important because it would be the same response that Jesus would give you if you approached Him today.
Matthew 8:3 records that “Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.'” Can you see how personal Jesus’ ministry is?
He did not touch every person that He healed. At times, He simply spoke and the sick were healed.
But in this case, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched the leper tenderly. I believe that Jesus did this to heal him not just of his leprosy, but also of the emotional scars that he had received from years of rejection.
Leprosy was a highly contagious disease and the law forbade lepers from coming into contact with anyone. This meant that for years, this leper had been shunned by everyone who saw his condition, even his own family members. He probably stank of decaying flesh and neglect, and his appearance must have been repulsive.
But without flinching, Jesus touched him, giving him the first human touch he had since he contracted the disease. The Bible tells us that immediately, his leprosy was cleansed and the man received his healing.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Whatever breakthrough you are believing Him for, He says to you, “I AM WILLING.”
Don’t doubt His heart of love for you any longer. Stop being occupied by your own disqualifications and be completely absorbed in His love and grace (unmerited favor) toward you!
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