Written by Juliet Constantine, these devotionals share thoughts and blessings from on high to give you encouragement, wisdom, and strength to face life's many challenges. Juliet has authored two sets of devotionals: "At His Feet" and "Finding Jesus In The Scriptures". Select from all the devotionals below or choose a topic from the menus.
So many parents are now experiencing a similar crucible as I am: back to school expenses and empty pockets. With school fees to be paid, books and uniforms to be purchased, together with other expenses, we can do no other but to call on Jehovah Jireh. Even with classes to begin in a couple days, I must wrestle with God. I know the education of His children is important to Him. And so, I wrestle, I pray, I keep believing. God will come through. He will make a way! You should too. Hold Him to His promises.
Just as in Daniel’s experience, the “Prince of Persia” sometimes delayed the answer to our prayers. But Michael will come to our rescue. I just paused this morning to tell you that your weeping is just for the “night”. God isn’t sleeping. He will deliver. Whatever your struggles – hold on! Just as a day consist of a dark part and a light part, our light will come. Just as the sunshine comes after the rain, The Son of righteousness will shine on you – just hold on!
I experienced real depression some years ago when all I wanted to do was just to lie in bed and just be lazy. It was painful to dress for work, to smile, to concentrate on other things except myself; I was just going through the motions. I was not physically ill, nor was I suffering from the burnt-out syndrome. It was not physical tiredness or exhaustion. I allowed the crucibles I was facing to almost get the better of me.
He lost his kingdom, not because the Philistines were victorious over them, but because of his disobedience – his failure to wait! Saul believed that because as King, he could do anything and it would be okay. But offering sacrifice wasn’t listed on his job description. In his impatience he blundered and at first strike, he was out! Actions that followed were just residual effect of a failed leadership. He lost his esteemed post! But King Saul wasn’t the only one who failed to wait and the resulting negative effect on him and his people.
The blind men followed Jesus from one point to the next while calling out to Him to have mercy on them. They would never give up on their dream of sight. They wanted their sight: they kept going and kept asking. Others were following Jesus too, so the throng must have been hard to follow – but they kept going, they kept calling out to Him.
Trials are not all bad. You can profit from it. Just like risks – proper management can turn them into opportunities - the same is true for trials. Successfully overcoming your trials does produce a Fruit of the Spirit in your life. There are various levels of trails, and each level gets more challenging. If you fail any level, you will have to retake it until you’ve passed. You cannot get to the next level until you’ve successfully passed the previous one.
The Bible is filled with experiences of persons that could easily be grouped into either garlic perfume or a sweet-smelling perfume. Can you think of some examples? All life experiences do leave a lesson about Christ, good or bad. What lesson was taught from Job’s experience? What about Judas? Can you recall a time in your life when your victory in your testing turns out to be a testimony for Christ?
Keep on praying. Keep on believing. Keep on reminding yourself of His promises and hold fast to them. He will come through. He knows the plans He has for you. Plans to prosper you - though you may be in hunger now; though your bills maybe piling up; though the way seems all black and you are hedged in – He will come through. Hold on a little longer. Don’t give up.
