Based on “The Valley of Blessing” by Pastor Mark Balmer; 1/23-24/10
Message #MB405; Daily Devotional #2 - “The Path to the Valley of His Blessing”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): A constant source of comfort is seldom conducive to growth. A muscle that is never flexed is not strengthened. No pain, no gain. If nothing changes, nothing changes. Many of us would not choose the “discomfort” that God allows in our lives for the purpose of drawing us closer to Him. In our limited understanding, we don’t even know what the optimum discomfort for our spiritual growth would be. We can rejoice in the fact that God loves us and is wise enough to allow us to go through trials--spiritual, mental, and physical--that will allow us to know experientially what a mighty God He is. Knowing that that is His purpose in allowing trials, we can be confident that He will not leave us in the midst of them.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): 2 Chronicles 20 illustrates the principles we can follow when faced with our own battles. In response to the news that enemy armies were coming against the nation of Judah, King Jehoshaphat declared a time of prayer and fasting to seek God’s direction. (2 Chronicles 20:1-4) The people of Judah humbled themselves and sought the only One Who could save them. They focused on God alone. (2 Chronicles 20:12) Our focus on God enables us to hear when He speaks to us. (2 Chronicles 20:15-17) Just as Judah worshiped God as He revealed Himself to them, we need to worship, praise, and thank Him also. (2 Chronicles 20:18-21) Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3, KJV) As the nation of Judah did, we need to demonstrate our trust in God by being obedient to what He calls us to do. (2 Chronicles 20:17, 20-22) When we experience God’s breakthrough in our lives, we need to rejoice in what God has done. (2 Chronicles 20:27)
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): When we apply these principles in our lives as we face our own battles, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional, we can be assured of the same blessings the nation of Judah experienced: victory over our trials, possessions (even beyond our needs), awareness of God’s goodness and provision, joy in the unlimited ways in which He works, respect and reverence for Him (the fear of the Lord); and peace (and comfort) as we realize He is all we need. Christ Follower, the next time God moves you out of your comfort zone, be ready to be obedient as He leads you to the Valley of His Blessing.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 34:18, Psalm 37:12-15, Psalm 91
klw
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
KJV = King James Version.