Elaine Creasman is a freelance writer, an inspirational speaker, and former radio show host. She has had her writing published in over 30 Christian publications as well as in her local daily and weekly newspapers. One of her writing endeavors is writing to prisoners to encourage them emotionally and spiritually for a ministry called Stephen's Table. She and her husband of 47 years have two grown daughters, a granddaughter, and a great granddaughter. She lives in Largo, Florida. Visit her website at http://www.elainecreasman.com/ and check out her Hearts Set Free podcast at https://heartssetfree.libsyn.com/.
Other translations use these words instead of evils: afflictions, problems, distresses, troubles.
I saw that I tended to focus on the evils that bombarded me (i.e. evils that were a result of loved ones rejecting God or forsaking a close walk with Him).
God urged me to go to part two of the verse: "The Lord God delivers him out of them all."
I began to list on paper what God had delivered me from:
severe depression and suicidal thoughts
debilitating fears
bulimia
smoking
dependence on alcohol
numerous health problems
an obsession with trying to be in control
shame based self-loathing
bitterness toward my parents and others
countless perplexing circumstances
I realized the list could go on and on.
Much of what came to mind were sins God had delivered me from. This gave me a peace that He could also deliver my loved ones from their sins.
During this holy season, I'm determined to feast on God's faithfulness and maintain an attitude of gratitude for all He's done for me and all He's delivered me from.
As far as the "evils" that still confront: God is not finished yet. And I’m choosing to believe the truth of
Ephesians 3:20
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt)
“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.”
These things I know for sure:
God's faithfulness is firm. His love for me will never change despite changing circumstances. He is always with me.
These are three excellent reasons to maintain joy this Christmas season.
"Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting."
Psalms 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
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(NASB)
Even when things go from bad to worse, there is always so much to thank the Lord for—things that never change, like His love for me, my salvation, and His promise to be with me always. And the list goes on.
When I’m grateful, hard times can be when I sense God’s closeness and His care for me. Forsaking gratitude brings misery.
Today and in the days ahead, I’m going to take the advice of the precious one God brought across my path to remind me to “Have a grateful day.”
Gratitude can turn a grueling day into a great day.
In contemplating this verse, it seems the Lord knew I’d be tempted to abandon standing firm and move from the spot where He has placed me. He knew at times I’d fail to give myself fully to the work He’s called me to. It is no surprise to Him that I face moments when I’m thinking, “This labor I’m doing is in vain. It’s pointless.”
But thankfully God repeatedly reminds me that my efforts in working for Him are not pointless. I may not see the results I often desire–lives transformed immediately or steady changes I can perceive. But even if I see no results in my outer world, God is doing a work inside me as I continue to obey.
One area where I battle this is in my prayer life. Recently a friend and I were discussing a difficult situation that affected us both. So I said, “Let’s pray about it.”
This person voiced the attitude I’ve battled when it comes to prayer: “What’s the point? We’ve prayed and prayed about it, and nothing has happened.”
But as I reflected on my times of prayer over this matter, I realized something had happened in me. When I prayed in a certain way, God’s way, my attitude changed. Bitterness and self-pity melted. I began to see things from God’s perspective. I grew more patient. And I also gave the problem to God. Granted, at times I took it back; but the praying changed me if I let it and as I let go of demanding a specific result of my laboring in prayer.
So whether I feel it’s pointless or not, God has called me and every Christian to the work of prayer:
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”
Luke 18:1
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.
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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
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NIV
I have to remind myself often of what Thomas Hooker said, “Prayer is my chief work, and it is by means of it that I carry on the rest.”
There are countless benefits to doing what God wants me to do, whether it’s reaching out to those less fortunate or praying for seemingly hopeless circumstances. Most are invisible. Some I won’t be aware of until heaven. But I do know this: If I obey, it pleases God and brings Him glory.
That is the point, the whole point.
What about you? Are you believing the “It’s pointless” lie? Bring your frustrations to God and allow Him to transform the way you think and feel. Let Him remind you of the point, the purpose of it all, as you give yourself fully to the work He has called you to.
