Word for the day “Ready to win”
Genesis 16:9 (KJV) And the angel of the Lord said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands. 10 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
OFTENTIMES, THE PERCEPTION of HAVING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE CAN GIVE A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.
Sometimes we are powerless because of our situation in life. We may be in a situation where other people have power over our lives. We may feel that we are trapped by the demands of others and that there’s no way to please them all. It’s a double edge sword many times: to please one is to disappoint another. Sometimes when we feel stuck and frustrated with our relationships, we look for a measure of control by escaping through compromising behaviors. I’d like to caution you today with some valuable considerations for your journey.
HOW TO ADVANCE IN NO-WIN SITUATIONS IS CRITICAL TO OUR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Hagar is a picture of a no-win situation in many instances. She had no rights. As a young girl, she was a slave to Sarai and Abram. When this power couple was upset because Sarai could not bear children, Hagar was given to Abram as a surrogate. When she did become pregnant, as they had wanted, Sarai was so jealous that she imposed her positional power on to Hagar and she ran away. All alone, out in the wilderness, she was met by an angel who told her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority! Don’t miss this transformational insight as you read what’s next. I will give you more descendants than you can count; You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord, has heard your cry of distress” (Genesis 16:9-11). Can you imagine in Hagar’s distress the Lord sends an angel to her and consoles her that God hears her painful and undesirable powerless circumstance?
I’ve discovered human beings are very similar in various challenges. If you experience devastating defeats, a persistent situation that you are unable to change. Perhaps you’ve experienced a terrifying situation that you could not control, causing you to lose hope in your ability to change your life situations. Please be reminded sometimes an ongoing emotional challenge can lead to feelings of hopelessness for all of us. When we are caught in no-win situations, it’s tempting to run away to our compromising escape places and patterns. In times like these, this narrative informs us that God is there and the Lord is listening to your concerns. We need to learn to express our pain to God, instead of just trying to escape.
WE MUST LEARN THE VALUE OF MANAGING OUR OWN EMOTIONS IN TIMES OF HOPELESSNESS.
When you’re feeling stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed, it’s hard to hold onto that feeling of hope. Feeling like you are in a no-win is one of the most challenging emotions to manage, especially when the feeling has been present for a prolonged period. We’ve all had those moments when there didn’t appear to be a way out. During these periods, many who are hopeless wonder what is the point of even trying, especially when you feel like there is no hope. Finding the win when it seems like there is none to be found can be extremely difficult, but I’m sharing with you today to remind and challenge you that “It is possible”. Hope is there, we just need the courage and faith to walk through the wilderness and find our direction. If you’re ready to change your outlook on life and become a person of hope, follow the pattern to God as we see Hagar did in today’s message.
POINT TO PONDER
The Lord knows and hears our problems and is willing to give us hope for the future. When we can’t trace God’s hand, let us learn to trust God’s heart.
Whatever situation you find yourself in, there's always hope.
Remember to always share your pain with the Lord.
How can today’s message about Hagar add value to your life?
Do you see yourself in today’s message?
Is it time to learn how to manage your emotions?
Special thanks!
Pastor James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of March 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Pastor Raymond Phillips, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. Calvin Griffith, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,