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Redemption in Every Situation

February 22, 2015

But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Genesis 50:19-20

Pressure Produces. We know that diamonds are formed through the combination of high pressure and high temperature.* In the same way, the inevitable pressures in our lives can produce beautiful results if we’ll just let God turn things around.

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:4

God-Reliance. When we go through a battle or when we fail or sin, we become a lot less self-righteous and formulaic and a lot more reliant on a loving God who never leaves us or forsakes us. It’s not about having it all figured out. Instead, it’s about trusting God to redeem circumstances and turn things around for good (Romans 8:28).

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Draw Close to God. The devil is fighting to disrupt our yearning for more closeness and depth with God (2 Corinthians 11:3). If you find yourself grumpy and irritable, you can get free from negative thinking and become joyful again. Take a deep breath and give thanks and praise to Jesus. Get built up in the Word of God. Ponder what Jesus has accomplished on the Cross. Fixate on things that are true, lovely, and pure (Philippians 4:8).

Pray This Prayer: based on Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Thank You for Your presence and for giving me the Holy Spirit to help me in every situation. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.

re·deem, verb
To set free, as from slavery or kidnapping, by providing money or other compensation. To save (a person or soul) from a state of sinfulness and its consequences. To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of.

God bless you,
Pastor Jeff

Copyright © 2015 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.*Lineberry, Cate. “Diamonds Unearthed.” n.d.: n. pag. Smithsonian.com. SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE, Dec. 2006. Web. 18 Feb. 2015.