Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
James 5:11
I think you would agree that elephants are very large, majestic and powerful creatures. Still, have you ever noticed that an elephant, at a carnival, fair or circus is held only by a small rope that is tied to the front or back leg?
When the elephants are young and smaller, a trainer will use the same size rope to tie them, and at this point the rope is enough to hold them. So they will grow up thinking it will always prevent them from running off.
And it is true, as a baby, the rope did hold the little elephant. Now, if we look at an adult elephant that can weigh between 3 and 6 tons, we can be assured that this animal has the power to break that rope and free themselves from their bondage at any time! However, because they believe, as they did when they were a child, they stay right where they are tied.
So, what keeps you bound? Are you tethered by sin, going through life bearing guilt, condemnation or fear? Are you bound by a narrow perspective of God's limitless love and mercy for you. Have you failed to see that through the Holy Spirit, our God's compassion and favor is endless and eternal.
When you lapse into sin and Satan seems to come in like a flood, does it create bondage that keeps you from walking freely in God's grace? Does guilt and shame fill your heart with fear and then, does helplessness overwhelm your soul?
Do you believe the devil's lies that say, "You're done, you keep doing the same sin over and over. God will never forgive you again, because He knows you will just do it again! You might as well give up, you don't know how to live for God!"
Satan loves to keep you bound and in the dark, away from the vastness of God's great love and mercy, that He truly has for you. When we transgress and disobey, God is always ready to forgive and restore us, if we just confess those sins and NEVER GIVE UP!
Look at Job, his staying power, and how we know God brought it all together for him in the end. God loved Job and He cared for him right down to the last detail, because he never gave up, he never quit!
God doesn't delight in our sin and our troubles, still He feels our pain and our frustrations. And, He always responds with goodness, a tender heart and ready to forgive. God is quick to help and redeem us, even though He has the power to condemn. I believe His heart is softened, compassionate and most loving, even with those who have failed Him a sundry of times.
We must break away from "elephant ropes" and the belief that we can't do something, simply because we failed at it before. Failure is a part of learning; so be patient and never give up, for with God's love and understanding, all things are possible and we do have the power to walk in the Holy Spirit and have victory!
So, keep focused on God, be filled with His joy and His endless love for you!
James 5:11
I think you would agree that elephants are very large, majestic and powerful creatures. Still, have you ever noticed that an elephant, at a carnival, fair or circus is held only by a small rope that is tied to the front or back leg?
When the elephants are young and smaller, a trainer will use the same size rope to tie them, and at this point the rope is enough to hold them. So they will grow up thinking it will always prevent them from running off.
And it is true, as a baby, the rope did hold the little elephant. Now, if we look at an adult elephant that can weigh between 3 and 6 tons, we can be assured that this animal has the power to break that rope and free themselves from their bondage at any time! However, because they believe, as they did when they were a child, they stay right where they are tied.
So, what keeps you bound? Are you tethered by sin, going through life bearing guilt, condemnation or fear? Are you bound by a narrow perspective of God's limitless love and mercy for you. Have you failed to see that through the Holy Spirit, our God's compassion and favor is endless and eternal.
When you lapse into sin and Satan seems to come in like a flood, does it create bondage that keeps you from walking freely in God's grace? Does guilt and shame fill your heart with fear and then, does helplessness overwhelm your soul?
Do you believe the devil's lies that say, "You're done, you keep doing the same sin over and over. God will never forgive you again, because He knows you will just do it again! You might as well give up, you don't know how to live for God!"
Satan loves to keep you bound and in the dark, away from the vastness of God's great love and mercy, that He truly has for you. When we transgress and disobey, God is always ready to forgive and restore us, if we just confess those sins and NEVER GIVE UP!
Look at Job, his staying power, and how we know God brought it all together for him in the end. God loved Job and He cared for him right down to the last detail, because he never gave up, he never quit!
God doesn't delight in our sin and our troubles, still He feels our pain and our frustrations. And, He always responds with goodness, a tender heart and ready to forgive. God is quick to help and redeem us, even though He has the power to condemn. I believe His heart is softened, compassionate and most loving, even with those who have failed Him a sundry of times.
We must break away from "elephant ropes" and the belief that we can't do something, simply because we failed at it before. Failure is a part of learning; so be patient and never give up, for with God's love and understanding, all things are possible and we do have the power to walk in the Holy Spirit and have victory!
So, keep focused on God, be filled with His joy and His endless love for you!
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