Category: Spiritual life – Musings

So I’ll be honest, I’m trusting God and hoping for a miracle during this application process. Considering the acceptance statistics – you can imagine why. Back in July, I came across Rick Warren’s “When you’re hoping for a miracle” devotion plan on YouVersion (the bible app) and thought to myself Perfect! Exactly what I need. The reading plan is a 17 day devotion that notes that though we can live for weeks without food, days without water, and seconds without air, we can’t live without hope! And yes God is still able to do a miracle in our lives. I completed the plan in August and felt really encouraged. So of course, I figured I’ld share it with you all. Here are some key take aways on each day:

Day 1: The path to miracle is through uncomfortable territory

“Miracles don’t happen when things are comfortable. Miracles happen when things are uncomfortable. Are you at a place right now in your life where things are a little uncomfortable — financially, emotionally, relationally, or physically? You’re a little nervous, a little on the edge, a little insecure. Congratulations. You’re on the path to a miracle!”

Day 2: Miracles always come from unexpected sources

“The source of a miracle will not be where you think it’s going to come from. It’s always unexpected. So what do you do when you’re on this road? You don’t fret. You don’t fear. You don’t try to figure it out. You just have faith. You trust God, and say, ‘I don’t know how God is going to do it, but He will do it.'”

Day 3: God provides on the way to the miracle

“Where God guides, God provides. The Bible says, ‘My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:19 NIV).”

Day 4: Beware of pride and arrogance

“When you’re filled with pride, when you have the yeast of the Pharisees, guess what? You can’t see life clearly. When you are prideful, you can’t see what God is doing in your life.”

Day 5: Short term thinking keeps you from seeing clearly

“Whenever you’re thinking short-term, you can’t see what God is doing in your life. You can’t see his long-range plans for your character when you’re just thinking about your own comfort.”

Day 6: See others the way Jesus does

“Every person matters to God. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they’ve done or even what they believe. Christ died for them, Jesus loves them, God has a plan for their lives, and he wants them to have a relationship with him.”

Day 7: God will wait on you before the miracle

“God sees the problem, and he recognizes it. But he waits on you to get concerned and accept responsibility for it before he does anything about it. Worrying is the opposite of faith. It never solves anything. It only makes problems worse. God wants you to show him that you accept responsibility and want him to provide the miracle you need.”

Day 8: You’ve got to get Jesus in your boat

“Whatever you want God to bless, put him first. You want God to bless your time? You give him the first part of every day. You want God to bless your money? You give him the first 10 percent of your income, no matter how small it is. You want God to bless your job? You give him control, no matter how successful you are.”

Day 9: It’s often times hard for us to admit our way isn’t working because of pride, stubbornness, and fear

“Sometimes our best is not good enough, and sometimes there are situations that are out of our control. You can’t control the economy. You can’t control the weather. You can’t control a lot of things in life that will affect your life. You may have tried so hard but it just doesn’t seem to make any difference and you don’t have much to show for it.

What do you need to do? First, you need to get Jesus in your boat. In other words, let him be the center of your job. Second, you admit that your way isn’t working. The Bible calls it confession, and it can be tough.”

Day 10: God sympathizes with your struggle

“Jesus sees where you’re struggling, and he knows the storm you’re going through. God knows when you’re going through a storm. He notices, and he cares.“

Day 11: Jesus Comes to You in Your Storm 

“Have you ever had a storm blow you off course? You had no intention of being where you are today in your job, your marriage, your finances. You’ve been blown off course by situations you couldn’t control.

You may feel abandoned right now, but you’re not. The Bible says in John 14:18, ‘I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm — I will come to you‘ (LB). You can count on it!”

Day 12: Jesus is praying for you 

“The Bible says no matter what you go through today, next week, or next year, Jesus is praying for you. He’s on your side.”

Day 13: You don’t need a plan, you need ‘I Am’ 

“When you’re going through a storm, remember that God is not distant, apathetic, or uninvolved. He is ‘I Am.’ And He will get you through the storm.”

Day 14: Five things to do in the middle of the storm

1. Have courage, because Jesus is with you.
2. Take a risk in faith.
3. Stay focused on Jesus.
4. Don’t doubt.
5. Praise God.

Day 15: Put God first in your finances through tithing 

“Whatever you put God first in, that’s what he blesses.”

Day 16: Budget and know where you stand financially

“The Bible says, ‘By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established’ (Proverbs 24:3 NIV). You’re wise with your money when you know where it is, where it’s going, and where it’s coming from.”

Day 17: Don’t just get rid of your stuff. Sell It! 

“If you’re in debt and you can’t save and you can’t tithe and you can’t pay your taxes and you’re living on credit, you need to go through your things and ask, ‘What can we get rid of?’ But don’t just get rid of it. Sell it! It is one of the most practical steps you can take to getting out of debt and changing your financial mindset.”

***Excerpts from “When You’re Hoping For A Miracle” by Rick Warren