20th. August. 2020. Daily Devotion.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Leave It with God

The story is told about an ancient monk who planted an olive sapling because he needed the oil. The story went like this: “Lord”, prayed the monk, “the olive sapling) needs rain that its tender roots may drink and swell. Send gentle showers. And the Lord sent gentle showers”. The monk went on to ask the Lord to send sun for his sapling, and the sun shone. Then he asked for frost to brace the trees tissues, and the sparkling frost came upon the tree; but at evening it died.

Then the monk went to a brother monk and told him about the death of his olive sapling. The brother monk said, “I, too, planted a little tree, and see it thrives well. But I entrust my tree to its God. He who made it knows better what it needs than a man like me. I laid no condition. I fixed not ways or means”. He prayed, “Lord send what it needs, storm or sunshine, wind, rain, or frost. Thou hast made it and Thou dost know”. The brother monk placed his trust in the Lord to take care of the olive sapling, and he did not depend on his own understanding.

Corrie Ten Boom stated: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God”.

Elizabeth Cheney wrote this poem: “Said the robin to the sparrow, I really like to know, why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so. Said the sparrow to the robin, Friend, I think that it must be, that they have no Heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me.”

As Christians, there are times we must dig deeper to grow in our spiritual life. Whatever circumstance you are in, if you place your trust in God, He has the capability at just the right time, to provide the perfect outcome. An example of a spiritual anchor for our soul during these times is found in Jeremiah, 32:27: “I am the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?”. Like the robin and sparrow, our Heavenly Father does care for you and me. Try not to keep snatching your situation back out of God’s hands, but yield it, and be sure to leave it, with him.

Lord God, thank You for keeping us from stumbling, and enable us to leave our future in Your hands. Amen.

Prayers

Holy Father who watches over your children by night and by day; blessed Jesus, our food and our strength; sweet Holy Spirit, light and guide of my soul; I thank you for this new day and pray that you will watch over me. May my thoughts, my words and my actions reflect the Spirit who lives within me. And may every moment of my life witness to the gift of your grace through Jesus Christ my Lord, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Father God we pray for your church to be a light and support within our community during this time of uncertainty. We pray that people will know that they can look to their local church for help. We pray that you will guide your church to re-imagine its work and witness in these changing times. Loving God, we pray you will help us in your church to love our neighbour. Help us to point others towards your love through our practical acts of love and compassion. Keep and bless our children and grandchildren as they return to school or college. Open their future to them through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Father God, we pray for wisdom for our government and health advisers. Lord God, inform and direct their decision making and help them to communicate plans clearly especially about education and the restoration of our workforce. We pray they may formulate plans which will quickly and effectively stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Sustain our leaders and give them renewed energy during days in which they are working long hours under great stress and strain. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Meditation

I wanted to go, He said stay;
I wanted to do, He said pray;
I wanted to work, He said wait;
I wanted to live for His sake;
Love me, child, He softly said;
Yes, Lord, I bowed my head;
I want Your way, I am your son;
Not my will, but Thine be done.