“Because Emmanuel Lives I Expect Victory Everytime!”
- Darlene Bishop
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." Matthew 1:23, KJV
“Believe”
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8: 24-28 (KJV)
Today, Shepastor Reflects Upon "Victory Through Emmanuel!"
As a youth I can remember the pastor of my home church preaching a sermon entitled, “With Christ You Are Never On the Loosing Team.” He used the above passage of Scripture. I have carried that message with me ever since. Darlene Bishop’s words, “Because Emmanuel lives, I expect victory everytime!,” strikes a similar note.
Sometimes, when we hit a particularly challenging patch in life, it’s difficult to see how God could be making it work together for our good. Unexpected illness, the death of a loved one, the loss of employment, a wayward child, a broken relationship or whatever your “valley” might be – you may be asking, “how could this possibly work for my good?”
Unfortunately, many Christians have used this passage of scripture flippantly or even arrogantly, condemning hurting people for not having enough faith. That is not the intention here. God's Word encourages us to remember, that no matter what situation or circumstance we face in this life, God, our heavenly Father will take it and make it work out for our good. Not all good things, not all easy things, not all wonderful things –BUT ALL THINGS will be worked out in God’s miracle working laboratory to bless your life, strengthen your faith, increase your hope and give you peace.
Believe that because Emmanuel, which means, “God with us” is living and walking beside us, in everything, we will be victorious. The moment we repent of our sins and accept Christ as our personal Savior, we join the winning team. We may lose some battles, but through Christ, we will win the war. When we are distressed or troubled to the point of not knowing the words to pray, the Holy Spirit will intercede on our behalf and interpret our groans. Begin to walk in faith and expectation, trusting God to take you through whatever you are facing, knowing that He is working it out in ways not yet made manifest.
To all of the Shepastor readers, may you have a peacefilled, blessed assured, "knowing that God is with you," Christmas and a new year filled with Holy Spirit expectation and victory!
Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com
Until Next Wednesday,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance
Pastor Chris
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