Expect The Opposite

[celeste]

One of the major reasons the Bible was written was to teach us to expect the opposite of what we see in the world. Indeed,"I can't believe my eyes!" is a very spiritual expression or statement that we hear everytime, for we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. One of God's principles of opposite is found in John 3:30,"He(Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease."
God tell us we must give to receive, die to live and serve to lead.
In this world of opposite-- what most good preachers call "the upside-down kingdom."Psalms 126:6,"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubless come again with rejoicing,bringing his sheaves with him." Then in Matthew 10:39, Jesus said,"He that findeth his life shall lose it; and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

When fear comes, expect the opposite-faith to rise up inside you.
When symptoms attack your body, expect the opposite-God's healing power to touch you.
When sadness tries to attack itself to you, expect the opposite- joy to flood your being.
When lack comes in, expect the opposite-God's provision meet your needs.
When confusion comes, expect the opposite-God's peace to comfort you.
When darkness tries to cover you, expect the opposite-
God's light to shine on you.

God chooses ordinary men and women for extraordinary work. I Cor 1:26-27,29,"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise;and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty;That no flesh should glory in his presence."
In the midst of your destiny, if you feel unwise and weak, fret not. God is getting ready to move on your behalf and use you.

The Sermon on the Mount was preached to lift us out of the Valley of Discouragement.
If we want to go higher, we have to go deeper...

This famous poem said its best;

Doubt sees the obstacles
Faith sees the way
Doubt sees the darkest night
Faith sees the day
Doubt dreads to take a step
Faith soars on high
Doubt questions"who believe?"
Faith answers,"I."
-Anonymous

Looks are deceiving, especially first impressions of the problems..


another food for thought worth sharing.......

celeste

[ddc101]

Amen Sister I like this one alot.Keep up the good work.lv sis.c

[ywav]

"WOW" surely you posted this thread just for me......For six years my husband and my self have been building a ministry to reachs souls. It's unlike other ministry's in that we offer the community (anyone) the opportunity to use our computer lab for research, job search or to just hang out. Homeless people come and use the Internet, fax resumes or use our phone and address so they can find work. Alcoholics are using the Interent as a way to "keep from drinking". Teens pour in and use the computers for all kinds of stuff. Bottom line, it keeps them off the streets. We slowly build relationships with them and gradually introduce Jesus! It's working and the seeds are being planted.

funding comes from grant writing and fundraising. We work the Bronco games in the middle of the cold winter, freezing just to pay the rent in our building for one year. It's a good deal......but I get realy cold, especially in a dress.....you see we work outside! But I know it's worth it. My husband does a "handyman" business so we don't have to draw a salary and this keeps the business going! All the funds go back into the center.

Bottom line I was just recently feeling really tired (physicallY) we work an average of 70 hours a week between the business and the center. Teens wear you out, they steal from us sometimes, everything is under lock & key, they lie, too. But such were some of us.....we just keep loving them.....but it wears me out. So when I read your little message I felt encouraged and know that "God will give us the strenght to go on and on and on until he sees fit".
Thank you for sharing........you might not realize what a difference you've made for me but obviously the leading of the Holy Ghost made you do it!

[celeste]

ywav,

I am very glad that somehow these few good thoughts have encouraged
you. I felt that sharing these food for thoughts (I call it) may someday somehow be of help to anyone that reads it, too.

thank you,
celeste

[FedwaySHE]

Celeste,

I like this post a lot! Sometimes we go through situations in life where its difficult to see the Big Plan and it is human nature for us to doubt.

At first when I was diagnosed with ESRD, the only emotion that I felt was bewilderment. But as we know, we should not be ruled by our emotions. After some much needed encouragement from the Word, and from prayer partners and saints, the Lord revealed that this illness was indeed a blessing.... TALK ABOUT EXPECT OPPOSITE!

The devil would like me to believe that it is a consequence of sin. If that were true, I would NOT be experiencing Peace and Contentment. I WOULD be so devastated and riddled with guilt and shame... NOT SO!!!!

I've accepted the fact that God's grace is sufficient for me. People EXPECT the worse.... but the Lord has a plan! Thank you for the awesome post!

[celeste]

I've always kept this particular scripture in my heart....

In Matthew 10:39, Jesus said,"He that findeth his life shall lose it;
and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

Isn't God great?

Fedwayshe,thanks again!

celeste