Good day everyone. Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good yes He is good and He is worthy of all our praise. Tell Him how much you love Him today and everyday.

Today’s Prayer 

Father, teach us that there will be times of concern when we need to turn everything over to You, to relax, and to trust it all to You — to “climb our watchtower and wait to see what answer You will give to our complaints.” Remind us that our weakness is Your opportunity to show us that Your strength is sufficient. Forgive us for forgetting that You never asked us to bear ALL of our burdens alone. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Let’s eat.

Fruitful Suffering

“It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.” – Genesis 41:52

The bible tells us that Joseph named his second son Ephraim. Ephraim was given to him after he had been delivered from his suffering of 13 years. Joseph said that he named him this because God had made him fruitful in the land of his suffering. Ephraim means “twice fruitful.” Joseph was fruitful in two instances. He was fruitful during his time of adversity and in his prosperity. When God brings us into a time of suffering, it can be a fruitful time. It’s rare for us to see the fruit during the suffering period. But know that the roots are going deep into the spiritual soil of our soul because of our pressing into God during our time of suffering. This is producing a work in our character that can’t be seen until it finishes the process. Such was the case for Joseph.

It was not until several years after such a time of suffering that I began to see the fruit of the trials that the Lord allowed me to experience. How grateful I am to understand some of the “why” that has led to a new life in Him that I would never have had without this period. Samson had great anointing but lacked character. We see many today who have great anointing yet lack character. But God is rising up Josephs who not only have great anointing for these days but also great character. Suffering produces character.

If you find yourself in a time of suffering, now is the time to press into God. Let your roots grow deeper. Whenever there is a famine, tree roots are forced to drive deeper into the soil to find water. These times are designed to create such a deep-rooted faith that our natures will be changed forever.

Quote of the Day

If you would judge of the lawfulness or the unlawfulness of pleasure, then take this simple rule: Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, and takes off the relish of spiritual things – that to you is sin.

Susannah Wesley

WITH HOPE AND FAITH

REV. ELDER G E STERRETT

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