"Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6
Recently, I was sitting alone and thinking about a number of circumstances that were quite difficult in the lives of some believers who I am acquainted with. The circumstances surrounding their lives were quite contradictory to the prophetic promises that God had spoken over them. As I pondered these situations, I heard the Holy Spirit speak these words:
"Will My people draw a conclusion about what I have said in My promises based on circumstantial evidence?"
I was taken aback with this question. Have we stood as the judge of God's promises based on circumstantial evidence in our lives? Will we lose heart and reject His prophetic promises based on circumstances that are contrary to what God has said? Circumstantial evidence is usually a theory (opinion or speculation), supported by a significant quantity of corroborating evidence.
Think back to Moses and the people of Israel leaving their captivity in Egypt--they had the Red Sea before them and the Egyptian army behind them with no place to go. The circumstantial evidence was stacked heavily against the promise that God had given for deliverance. If Moses had allowed the circumstantial evidence of the situation to be his dictator, he would have surrendered himself, and the Israelites to death then and there. But he did not allow circumstances to deter what the Lord had said to him. His faith in the midst of fear caused him to respond to the situation by touching his staff to the Red Sea, causing it to part, and allowing the promise to be fulfilled.
By My Spirit, Says The Lord
It is very difficult emotionally to have circumstances stack up against all the promises you have received from the Lord, but do not lose heart! Even when you feel like death is about to take you over, stand on the promises and extend your staff of faith into the waters of adversity. You will see the parting of the waters as you walk in obedient faith. Remember--do not let your emotions dictate your behavior and decisions. Always go with what you know, not what you feel.
Many people are having their faith tested in this season. We are being prepared and strengthened in the current season to be able to stand firm in the seasons ahead--in times when we will have to live by what we know, not by what we see or feel. In God's mercy and grace, He is allowing a "spirit work-out" to get our spirits into shape so that we are not ruled by thoughts and emotions (or circumstances) but by His Spirit!
May you rest in the assurance of His promises this day!
Excerpted from "Faith's Assurance -- Stand on The Promises and Extend Your Staff Into The Waters of Adversity" by Kathi Pelton. As seen in ELIJAH LIST NEWSLETTER © 2007. All rights reserved. (Please include this line to forward the message).
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