Devotionals – Inspirational Messages of God’s Greatness And Compassion

Sustainment Without Sustenance

I reflect on the beginning of the 2020 pandemic when most recreational events were starting to close and I asked myself how am I going to keep my sanity when the very things that keep me going are no longer in existence? As bad as I thought my situation was, I saw others that had it much worse. Businesses in all industries had to close leaving employees suddenly without jobs. I’m sure it was devastating to think how they were going to sustain their families and housing without any income. When what we are depending on to keep us is gone we ask; how do I sustain something with no sustenance?

I’ve seen so many instances and wonder how was that possible when it wasn’t possible. How you walk through a dangerous neighborhood often and not be attacked? How do you continue to live in a place in spite of not being able to pay rent? Why your body didn’t break down when pharmacy ran out of medicine? Why you don’t feel lonely even though you are alone? And so on. How is sustainment without sustenance possible? Jesus gave us the answer in Mark 10:27, basically what’s not possible with man is possible with God.

And God sustained me in 2020 and beyond. He showed me new ways to relax and clear my mind outside of the typical activities. I saw His other sustenance at work like giving business owners new ways to make sales via delivery apps. The government assisted people with income and rental assistance to sustain their families and so on. My lesson learned was that it wasn’t those activities that were sustaining my mind. It was God’s grace and mercy. He renewed them daily by sustaining me.

Scripture references:

Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Revenge-God’s Justice

Is it easy to let someone’s wrongful actions go? I say it’s not. When you’ve been wronged, emotions are high to make yourself whole again and human nature seeks the best way of getting revenge.

Sometimes I look back at a situation I’ve been in and someone said something harsh to me and I couldn’t think of how to respond at that time so I stayed silent. Later, when I could think of what to say. I wish I would have said it. But what if I would have said it then, would it have escalated into a fight?

What about thinking about what to say ahead of time? Thoughtful revenge is plotting exactly what to do or say after you’ve been repeatedly hurt. For example, It could be somebody getting on your nerves with the things they say repeatedly. So you think of something to say to them and the next time they say that thing you’re gonna really let them have it. But, Instead of letting them have it, how about asking them why they are saying those hurtful things and tell to stop? Sometimes people don’t realize they are hurting you.

How about instant revenge? You’re driving along and minding your business and the other driver is rude and does something to jeopardize your safety. Instant revenge is to give them the finger. In some cases this feels good and settles things but these days that simple act can lead to road rage and escalate into violent acts including lost of life. It’s hard to ignore folks rudeness, especially when driving but sometimes you have to.

I’m not saying one always have to ignore wrongful acts, but it’s impossible to correct every wrong. Sometimes you have to let things go because it’s something called God’s justice. You may not be able to repay a person for doing you wrong; but God sure can just like He said in Deuteronomy 32:35. For example, If someone cheats you out of money, you may not be able to get the money back or punish them. But God can fix it so that the money becomes useless to them; like getting bills they didn’t expect. Unlike us who try to fix things and in the process cause another problem like starting a fight or hurting an innocent person, God knows exactly how and when to minister vengeance. Leave it to Him, He will repay. I can personally attest to this.

Scripture references:

Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Telling Or Not Telling Something Sensitive

You know how it goes, somebody tells you something sensitive and tells you not to tell nobody. It can be a hard situation to be in because if you tell someone then you break your word or lie. But what if what they told you is so compelling that it almost requires you to tell someone? For example, what if someone told you they would so something that jeopardizes their safety. Would you say something to someone who could intervene or keep quiet? In a case like this, I don’t think I could live with myself if something happened to them so I’d say something even though it may mean them getting angry at me.

What if what they told you was still sensitive, but wouldn’t jeopardize their safety. Yet, it’s killing you to keep it to yourself. Do you tell somebody that doesn’t know them. Or, do you tell someone that does know them and just tell them not to say anything. This happens often. I confess I’ve kept a lot to myself but there were times when I just couldn’t.

Now what if you found out something sensitive about somebody, would you tell it? This is a real sticky one. There are a lot of factors that go into making this decision. Does it involve something illegal? immoral? Will telling it help or hurt someone? The bottom line is not to spread hurtful things unnecessarily like explained in 1 Timothy 5:13.¹ And to keep the tongue in check for what you. The tongue can be unruly like explained in James 3:18.²

Scripture references:

¹1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

² James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.