Friday's Question...

God's Ultimate Protection

Read Psalm 91 and meditate on God's promise of protection found here.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11. What has God ultimately protected us from? For what purpose has He protected us?

Now read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. What is God doing in your heart and life through the struggle?

We often think to pray for God's physical protection - and while that's a good thing, too often we forget to pray and look for His hand of protection on us spiritually as well. Ask God to show you His plan - but if not His plan, ask Him to reveal Himself in a deeper way to you in the midst of the trial. As we discussed last night, we may never fully understand God's purpose for the suffering in our lives, but we can rest confidently in the knowledge there is purpose and He is faithfully carrying it out.

In times of difficulty, remember the faithfulness of God! Jim Andrews calls it "monumental faith." In his book Polishing God's Monuments, he tells us that monumental faith isn't a great, heroic faith, but faith that is "able to look forward with confidence because it looks backwards to the past. It discounts the baffling mysteries of present circumstances because it finds reassurance in His historical works, His uncompromising character, and His unchanging promises." You may have many "monuments" of your own, built throughout your walk with God. Then again, you may be relying on the "monuments" of others to help you fill the gap as your walk with God grows from faith to faith. Either way, take time today to reflect on a few of God's monumental moments - times when He has rescued, sheltered, provided, befriended and strengthened. How might this perspective help you in your current struggle?