Preparing for Promotion

GROUP DEVOTION - APRIL 24, 2010

Today´s Passage: John 16:25-33

約 翰 福 音 16:33 我 將 這 些 事 告 訴 你 們 ， 是 要 叫 你 們 在 我 裡 面 有 平 安 。 在 世 上 ， 你 們 有 苦 難 ； 但 你 們 可 以 放 心 ， 我 已 經 勝 了 世 界 。

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV)

Today´s Word:
Are you going through a season of difficulty? Does it seem like for every step you take forward, you take two steps back? The Bible tells us that hard times and difficulty will come in this life, but we can rejoice because God promises us victory!

Whatever you may be facing today, make the decision that you are going to shake off negative thinking and trust that God is working behind the scenes. The more we trust Him and exercise our faith in Him, the more we are preparing ourselves for promotion. Focus on the fact that brighter days are just ahead. Weeping may endure for a night, but when you fight the good fight of faith, God promises that joy is coming in the morning! If you´ll work with God, He´ll take that adversity, turn it around, and use it for your good. It may be uncomfortable at times, but you´ve got to know that you are growing. God is maturing you.

He is building character in you, and he is preparing you for the promotion and increase He has in store for your future!





Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today I release all of my cares on You. I choose to focus on the blessings that You have given me. Search my heart today and remove anything that is displeasing to You. I bless You and honor You alone. In Jesus´ Name, Amen.

Meditation:
How have you been exercising your faith? Do you face with difficulties head-on yourself? Or do you let God be God? When was the last time you felt joy coming in the morning? Knowing the promotion and increase that God has in store for you, what area is God nurturing you for maturity right now?

(Adapted from Joel Osteen Ministry Devotion Series; Cantonese version available in video.)