Elevation Point Church

In Genesis 30, we see two sisters who are both blessed in different ways. One is deeply loved by her husband, while the other has already given birth to four children. However, neither of them is happy. It's noteworthy that their discontent doesn't stem from what they possess but from what they lack compared to each other. Leah desires what Rachel has, while Rachel desires what Leah has. Isn't it remarkable how what we lack is often magnified while what we possess is minimized, especially when we start comparing ourselves to others? For instance, we're content with our car until we see someone else's. We're satisfied with our children's behavior until we observe someone else's. We're happy with our business until we notice someone else's. We're content with our marriage until we compare it to someone else's. Often, our dissatisfaction with our current circumstances arises when we compare them to others'. We end up comparing unrelated aspects of our lives to others', mistakenly believing they are similar; when they are in fact, not the same.

David's emotions seem to be all over the place in Psalm 62. He begins with a strong declaration of faith, stating, "I find rest in God," and expressing his trust in Him, asserting that he will not be shaken. However, almost immediately afterward, he portrays himself as a tottering fence, on the brink of collapse. Throughout this passage, David grapples with an inner conflict that is universal—struggling to fully trust in God while also attempting to handle things independently. When we try to manage everything by ourselves, rely on the wrong people, or trust only in our own abilities, we never fully invest our trust in the Lord. David emphasizes that our hope and our stability come from the Lord alone. By choosing to rest in Him, we find the strength necessary to stand firm.

In Judges 6, Gideon, much like many of us, resorts to offering every conceivable excuse he can muster as to why he’s incapable of what God’s spoken. These excuses range from what he perceives as genuine and legitimate reasons as to why God must have chosen the wrong person. Have you ever found yourself in such a position? Perhaps feeling as though you're not the right fit for the task despite divine assurance? Gideon wrestles with these doubts when God approaches him, affirming, "Hey mighty warrior, you're going to defeat the Midianites." In response, Gideon protests, "Who, me? I'm just threshing wheat." Despite Gideon's protests, citing his past, his perceived inadequacies, and weaknesses, God persists in affirming, “I’m not finished with you yet.”

God assures us, "I shall provide assistance," thereby alleviating concerns regarding the solo navigation of life's intricacies. We don’t need to dwell on understanding every detail or confronting challenges in isolation; God pledges His support. Furthermore, He underscores, "I have summoned you!" What additional validation could one seek? His divine call and commitment to aid obliterate any doubts concerning one's capability or worthiness. With God as an ally, anxiety, fear, and apprehension about the future dissipate. Instead, confidence grows as we understand that God has intentionally chosen us.

We sometimes find ourselves in situations that appeared utterly desolate. It could be that our marriage is struggling, or we’re grappling with financial worries such as how to make this month's mortgage payment, or perhaps we’re simply feeling unappreciated and taken advantage of. The intensity of those moments is often magnified by the devil's desire to dwell on the negative, reminding us of our pain and struggles. While it might be tempting to dismiss his words as lies, often they ring true—at least in the moment. Nevertheless, it's essential to remember that God always has the last word.

While Jesus entered into Jerusalem, He was continually thinking about others. However, He was also grieving. Not because He was dreading the cross, but because those around were missing the moment as it unfolded right before their eyes. They thought they understood, but they didn’t really understand. This happens often in life — we think we understand what Jesus is doing, but we don’t truly understand. We become distracted and surrounded by our desires and the opinions of others, all the while missing the supernatural moment that’s unfolding before our very eyes.

Mary and Martha held onto hope, believing for something miraculous: the preservation of their brother's life. Their faith was anchored in the conviction that Jesus would arrive in time to heal him. Throughout our lives, we encounter moments when it seems as though Jesus is delayed, when time runs out and our prayers appear unanswered. Yet, it's essential to recognize that even for Jesus Himself, there were moments of perceived lateness. Lazarus, a cherished friend, had succumbed to death, prompting Jesus to weep upon hearing the news. Despite His grief, Jesus understood the importance of trusting in God's perfect timing. He would have preferred Lazarus to be healed sooner, but He comprehended the necessity of divine timing—a lesson we too must embrace.