Be Still and Know

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it’” (Isaiah 55: 8-11).
 

In uncertain times, one thing is certain – God’s promise never fails. He will fulfill His purpose. His promises may not always unfold the way you had envisioned. Sometimes personal plans, dreams, prejudices, traditions, opinions or agendas act as mighty mainsail, catching the gale force of opposing winds. Insistence on keeping those mainsails aloft in a storm can make you the victim instead of the victorious storm warrior who allows God to transform you through the storm.

Paul had a promise and a purpose – “You will go before Caesar in Rome.” The ruler of the world was about to hear from God’s messenger face to face. The journey to get there was less than promising. His ship was driven off course by contrary winds. He was shipwrecked on an uncharted island inhabited by people not particularly friendly to him. He was bitten by an asp and shook it off. And in the midst of all that, the captain and crew were saved. An entire island received the gospel message accompanied by miracles. Paul completed the mission and reaped a harvest of souls along the way.

Sometimes the best strategy when facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge is to let go and let God. When Israel faced an army of invaders, Isaiah advised: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). When panic clouds your thinking, or a storm of doom fills your thoughts, settle down in hope and faith in the assurance of God’s covenant with us through His Son. In that place of quiet confidence, you may be surprised to recognize God’s voice leading you through the storm on a path you would have never expected.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:10-11).


Look for new opportunities to present themselves during times of crisis. God always has in mind to bless and to use His servants as emissaries of His glory. Heaven’s economy creates win/win scenarios using the most difficult circumstances. Be still today and know that He is God.


Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, we thank you for your faithfulness. We thank you for your promises. We recall your promises and pray, answer us in our day of trouble. Bring Your salvation to our nation: salvation from this pandemic; salvation for our industries and economy; salvation for our children and grandchildren. Pull down the strongholds holding us, our nation, and the nations captive. Lord, we pray that what the enemy has meant for harm, you will turn for a mighty harvest of souls. We ask for our nation, and we ask for the nations. We ask for a great harvest of hearts turning to You.

Lord we pray for every person who is struggling financially in this uncertain time. Lord, blow our nation onto Your course for long-term financial prosperity and independence. Lord we pray for new things, new inventions, new ways of doing business. We thank you for a new spirit of innovation. Lord we pray for our industries, factories, and supply chains to be strengthened and protected. Open our eyes to new income streams and avenues of growth. Open the windows of heaven over all who call on your name, and pour out blessing, provision, and opportunity for increase.

We pray for a divine shield of protection for our medical workers. Give them strength and your peace. Send Your healing balm to everyone suffering from this virus. Especially protect our vulnerable populations from infection in Jesus' name. Amen.

 


We are confident and covering you and yours. Send your prayer requests to us at hotline@chavdaministries.org. Join us online for the Watch of the Lord, and see you ONLINE this Sunday at 10 a.m. We will continue on this journey with Apostle Paul here tomorrow!

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Mahesh and Bonnie Chavda, 3/25/2020