THE ALL-POWERFUL GOD

REPLENISH: FILL UP WITH GOD’S GOODNESS AND LIVE FULFILLED - DAY 31

“I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’” (Genesis 31:29, NIV)

I read the text and then shook my head in disbelief. Someone I loved was expressing fear about the future of our nation. It was obvious to me that she had been watching way too much of the six o’clock news and not reading enough of her Bible. I replied back to her message full of doom and doubt with what I felt was an encouraging reminder: Ultimately, the All-Powerful God reigns over the affairs of men, and our future rests secure in His faithful hands.

Two schemers, Jacob and Laban, learned that God Almighty sovereignly determined their destiny. Laban proudly proclaimed, “I have the power to harm you,” but God interrupted his plans. He failed to take into account this word of wisdom: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

God remains seated on the throne in heaven, and He sees every move we make. We may plan our course for tomorrow, but we should hold our plans loosely with surrendered hearts and trust that God will establish our steps. Proverbs 16:9) Whenever we face opposition from a mere man, we can overcome the adversary as we turn to God for direction and acknowledge our dependance on Him.

Laban paused his plans to harm Jacob as a result of hearing the Word of the Lord, but He stopped short of fully yielding His life to follow after the One True God. Instead of looking upward to the Almighty and yielding his self-sufficient need for control, he continued to rely on his own strength and seek to secure false idols to ensure his peace.

Friend, you and I need to learn that our peace never comes from an idol that can be stolen from us. Our future will never be determined by the schemes of man. Our all-powerful God reigns over every second our lives, and we rest totally protected in His providential care. Instead of striving with an angry human, we can wish our adversary well and extend grace to our enemies because we trust our Heavenly Father has promised to bless us and speak peace over our tomorrow.

---

FUEL FOR THOUGHT:

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19, NIV)

---

Hi, Friends,

There will be no Scripture graphics again this week, and we will keep the chat in the comment section under the devotional for each day for another week.

My dad passed away on Monday, August 18th,, and the celebration of life service took place at the end of the week. I covet your prayers for my mom, Magda as well as Bruce and I as we grieve. Thank you for continuing to pray for us.

Lyli