Thanks for joining us on this journey of building a consistent habit of reading our Bibles every day. The Bible reading plan we are using this year can be found here: One Year Bible or here on the Bible app. As always, if you miss a day, don’t feel compelled to go back and catch up. Just skip it and start back on today’s date. I am reading the NLT this year, but feel free to use whatever version you prefer. Now here are some thoughts from today’s readings:
Jacob built an altar there and named the place El-bethel (which means “God of Bethel”), because God had appeared to him there when he was fleeing from his brother, Esau.
– Genesis 35:7
Are you confused at what God is trying to say to you or do in you? That’s happens to all of us at times. Trying to figure out what to do in those times of confusion is where we all tend to feel lost. Jacob, however, does something here we can all do when we find ourselves in an aimless season.
Jacob went back to last place he had a life changing encounter with God. He didn’t go to the very last place God spoke to him, but he went to one of the places where he was impacted the most. It was there he was reminded that God had a purpose for his life. God had a promise for him and God was not going to fail. God was with him!
Can you remember a place, a time, a reason God spoke to you in a powerful way? Begin to seek Him again there. He just might show up in a new and fresh way. Go back to that Church. Go listen to that song. Go back to that habit of prayer time you used to have or go reread that book that changed your life. Go back to where you trusted God the most and felt Him the closest.
I think its important to note that once Jacob got there, his external situation actually got worse. One of his wives died and ended up getting buried there. But what was happening on the inside of Jacob carried him through that season. So, I can’t promise your situation will improve. It may get worse, but the closeness you experience with the Lord will be what you need to make it through!
Where do you need to go back to? Comment below…
Wow!!
Never saw it in this way!
I was at a place in my life in 2010 right after I had completed a Celebrate Recovery program, and my husband & I were leading it at our church then, where I was the closest to God I had EVER been in my life! Within a matter of 6 months, I was hospitalized for a rare kidney infection, my father-in-law died unexpectedly (he was a minister), I had a tumor removed off of my thyroid, I had a hysterectomy, and then was diagnosed with MS. Talk about an attack from the enemy!!! The next 6 and a half years became a season of doubt, frustration, anger, bitterness, etc. Six months ago God led us to Life Church. I have been searching to get back to the place I was spiritually before all of that happened. I have struggled physically, mentally, and emotionally since then because I knew without a shadow of a doubt that God had called me to begin the Celebrate Recovery ministry. And now, here I was unable to stay committed because of my health. I know God can heal me. I don’t know the time. I have learned SO much on this hard journey. And may have still more that He needs me to learn. But that is where I want to go back to. That communion I had with Him then, before I began to doubt His plan, His goodness, and His call on my life. I have to find a way to get there again. I needed this devotion so much this morning!! I have made many new relationships at Life Church that are believing with me for my healing. God’s plan is always right and good. It may not be easy, but it is good. Today I am journeying back in my mind to 2009-2010 and going to revisit what God called me to do and stand on it! Thank you, Chris, for this message of hope this morning!!
Thanks Elizabeth! I appreciate your consistent reading and commenting! It makes it more fun for me!
Dree, thank you so much for your story and your transparency! I’m sorry for what you have had to go through, but I am excited to hear that you’re seeking the Lord through it. It seems like you were most excited about the Lord when you were operating in your calling. Is it possible you could do this in a different way that your current health set back would work with, like 1 on 1 mentoring, helping about with an existing ministry, or maybe writing?
Yes, in fact, I am looking into those things and easing back into serving without overwhelming my health. I am just so passionate for hurting people and I want to desperately to be able to serve in the capacity that is my calling. I have learned that it can’t be “Dree’s” way or timing….it must be God’s! Keep me in your prayers and pray that I will be able to serve in whatever way the Lord sees fit for my life! Thank you again, Chris. I am really enjoying your devos!
I am thankful for those who are reading them! Thanks again for your story. I will definitely be praying for your complete healing!