The Way Up by David Wilkerson So far, we have focused our attention on the problem. Now, let us consider the way to victory over all despair. We can begin with the prophet we have been referring to as our example of suffering, because he also sets the example in faith and hope. In his very darkest hour, Jeremiah discovered a glorious truth that brought new hope and assurance to his mind. It was something he already knew about God, but it didnt touch his soul until he came to the end of himself. He discovered that at the very bottom - there was God! The further down he went, the more God was to be discovered. Down was not into some dark, hidden, fearful abyss - but down is going deeper into God. God was not to be discovered UP THERE in some blissful soaring into untroubled skies, but in the shadows of grief and despair. When Jeremiah hit bottom, he bumped into God! He fell hard against the faithfulness of a compassionate God. Listen to his discovery: God is a God of compassion... His compassions for me cannot fail... they are new every morning... great is his faithfulness...(lamentations 3:22,23). Little by little, Jeremiah began to realize some great truths that can only be discovered by those who are down. (1) When I am at the very lowest point; when troubles flow over my heart like water, and I say, I am cut off - God draws near and whispers, Do not fear! (Lamentations 3:54-57). (2) When God seems to have covered Himself as a cloud, so that my prayers could not pass through - He will still see my oppression and will judge my case (Lamentations 3:44,59). (3) If the Lord allows grief and sorrow, He will at the same time, uphold me with abundant compassion and love (Lamentations 3:32). (4) God hurts when I hurt; He wants my troubles to end! (Lamentations 3:33). (5) God is not against me, trying to crush me under His foot when Im down like a prisoner in trouble (Lamentations 3:34). (6) God is not trying to sabotage any of my plans; He is not causing my confusion; He is not working against me (Lamentations 3:35). (7) Even in my despair and bitterness, when I hated to face a new day - His compassion failed not. His mercies were waiting for me - new each morning (Lamentations 3:22, 23). (8) Because God is always faithful, He will do right by me. God will not cast me off. God will save me (Lamentations 3:25, 26). (9) When I am at my lowest, I have no where to turn but to God; so I will lift up my heart and my hands, and thank Him for His faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:40. 41). (10) Being down has so spent my strength and hope. I am left empty and humbled - so now, I can depend totally on His mercies! (Lamentations 3:18, 20. 21). What it all means is simply this: Get your eyes off your problems and afflictions, and remind yourself that God is still faithful and that His compassion and tender love is yours for the taking. Rebuke your unbelief and say to your soul, Wait just one minute - -God is still God! He is still on His throne, hearing and answering prayer. God is going to act on my behalf not one minute too soon or too late.. He is not trying to hurt me; He loves me. God is overflowing with love toward me; He cares about me. Right now, even though I am down and hurting, He is not far off. He sees every move I make; He bottles every tear; He will take quick action and do what must be done - on time! God is bigger than my problem! God is too holy to fail me. His promises have not and cannot fail. So I will quietly wait on my Lord to bring me out into a safe place. Until then, He is with me in the darkest hour. I am not alone - He has promised to never leave or forsake me! In my sorrow - He will comfort me! Even in death - He will not forsake me! tscpulpitseries.org/english/1980s/ts80uplf.html
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 06:02:43 +0000
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