SOAP Devotional 2014-01-15
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death… (Hebrews 11:32-35a NLT)
Observation:
Yesterday, we spoke of those who did not receive the promises of God until they were in heaven, but God was not ashamed to be called their God because their focus was not on things but on Him. This passage speaks of great things that these others received from God. And we are talking truly amazing things, including miracles, that God did through and for them. By biblical accounts we know that, they too, although imperfect, were blessed when their focus was on Him and not on the things they were receiving.
Application:
If God says He is going to do something in our lives, or if He sends us to do something, He will do what needs to be done to make these things happen. Again, our faith is not in the promise, but in the one who made the promise. Focus!
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for the promises you have made to me. Both in the ones you have already fulfilled and those who are yet to come to pass. I trust you to fulfill these others when and where you have planned for them to take place, so rather than focus on those things, I will instead keep my heart and my focus on You.