Savior's Precious Encouragement Comforts, In All Lives (S.P.E.C.I.A.L)

By Ramesh C. Reddy
Pittsburgh Standard

Editors note: What follows is based on my devotional times with the Lord from the Book of Philippians. It has been made into a book from which I am sharing with you. I hope you enjoy it and may the Lord blesses you through the messages this month of July!

SCRIPTURE:

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." (Philippians 1:12)

I learned what has happened to Paul is that he is in jail. Yet, he is able to write that this event has served to advance the gospel. 

I was reminded that it is important for us to realize that our Lord and Savior can take the worst of circumstances in our lives and make something good come out of it in His due time. Let us not dwell in the things that are going wrong but remember that no matter what we face, there is Light ahead.

Paul learned to look on the bright side and looked to the positive rather than dwelling on what human nature sees as negative (being in jail).

I ASK YOU NOW:

I ask you now dear friends, do you feel special when things are going so wrong?
Dear friends, when things are not going people's way many don't usually feel special. If anything they might feel like a loser or a hopeless cause. The things that have gone wrong could also pile up on them and that makes them live in the negative past. Paul could have kept thinking or saying 'only if' or 'what if' for what happened to him, yet he was using this negative circumstance as a positive opportunity for the Gospel. He knew his place with the Lord.

I do not know friend if you feel special in your life when things are going so wrong but I want you to know that you are special and precious in the Lord's sight. This does not have to do with the things you do for the Lord but because the Lord loves you and wants you to see yourself as His precious creation. Oh yes, He does! He loves you so much and when things are not going well and you are living in the past, He still loves you and reaches out to you.

Sadly, we live in a sinful world which brings with it problems of life but there will come a day when all tears are wiped away by the Lord personally. That is exciting to know. Through this all you are not alone; you are never out of His love and out of His reach.

Feel special because you are regardless of what human beings say to you or make you think. You are special because the Lord has called you by Name and wants you to know that you belong to Him. Come to Him as you are and receive His special care and help. Hear what the Lord says to you friend, yes to you. Yeah you! He loves you.

"BUT NOW the Lord who created you, O Israel [your name], says, Don't be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up--the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 43:1-3)

Even in the worst of circumstances, look to the Lord who wants to carry you and show you things unimaginable to you. It is in times like these when things go wrong in our lives, we are vulnerable to Satan's attacks if we are not on our guard.

Allow the Lord to work through your pain. Give Him room to come and heal you. Whatever wounds or scars you are facing, His love for you is so strong that He will walk you through this pain. He will also give you strength and endurance to bear. For in Christ is your hope of glory.  I have been through some rough times in the past so I speak from experience.

No matter what is happening in your life, the most important concept to realize is that we are so special to the Lord and precious in His sight. He loves us so much than we can even imagine.

 When we find our identity in Him rather than our accomplishments, our athletic ability, our academics, our relationships, etc we will experience the peace our Prince of Peace wants us to experience. Once we know we are accepted by Jesus and are in His loving care, we can go on.

If God be for you, who can be against you?

Please take time to read Romans 8 for the Lord will speak to you through this passage. Listen to the Lord and claim His promises.

You are special and you will know that as you receive the Savior's precious encouragement in your life.

 There are these 2 awesome songs that have been so helpful to me. They are called "Never out of His love" by Al Denson & "Lord of the Past" by Bob Bennett. If you want I can get you a tape of them.

There is also a recent song called "There will come a day" by Faith Hill

Savior's Precious Encouragement Comforts, In All Lives (S.P.E.C.I.A.L)