Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
DAILY READING; Mark 15:21-47; 1 Kings 11; Hosea 13
Maria Woodworth-Etter was one of the most prominent healing evangelists of the 20th century.
Her meetings were characterized by great power, healings and visions. These amazing miracles and dramatic occurrences in her meetings made her to face resistance from both the religious and secular community. Yet in every challenge she kept her focus on God and His Word.
1890 to 1900 were especially tough years for Maria. While holding meetings in Framingham, Massachusetts, she was arrested for claiming to heal people, but was released when many came forward with their testimonies.
Around 1891, while holding meetings in St Louis, Missouri, local psychiatrists filed charges of insanity against her for claiming that she saw visions of God
Yet, her ministry continued to prosper greatly despite these persecutions.
In the early 1900’s, while holding a meeting at Fremont, Nebraska, two doctors brought charges against Maria that she was hypnotizing people.
The county’s prosecuting attorney then prepared a complaint against her for practicing medicine without a license. A day before her meetings closed in the town, Maria Woodworth and her helpers were arrested.
However the arrest only worked to promote her ministry. Surprisingly the circular Media came to her defense. Some of the reporters who had personally witnessed miracles at her meetings, published stories of how God was using Maria to transform lives.
The newspaper reports of the meeting eliminated the need for paid advertisements for Maria. The favorable news coverage also swung public sympathy towards Maria over her arrest, forcing her persecutors to drop their charges and release her and her staff.
At every turn, the enemies’ attempts to stop Maria only ended up, promoting her ministry, and bringing greater glory to God.
Indeed God is always able to vindicate us better than we can vindicate ourselves. This is why we must learn to keep our eyes on Jesus in every trial.
Success often attracts enemies and open doors often come with adversaries, but if you will hold your peace, God will always fight for you.
The truth is that anyone making progress in life will face oppositions. Most of these are spiritual resistance aimed at stopping the work God is doing through you.
At such times, learn to focus on God’s Word. The Word within you makes you indefatigable.
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18-19 “…on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.’
The rock is God’s Word. When you have the word within you, no force of hell can prevail against you. God’s Word is what enables you to withstand storms, overcome enemies, and accomplish dreams that seem impossible.
With all the challenges lined up against Mariah, she succeeded because she maintained the right focus; looking unto Jesus.. Her life shows that there is no opposition that can hinder a man who has God on his side.
Whatever the enemy meant for evil, God can turn it all around for your good. Surely, God knows how to prepare a table before you in the presence of your enemies.
The important thing is to always remain connected to His Word, because it is the Word that imparts faith into the heart and faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
If you find yourself in the middle of a trial, an affliction, or a setback, always remember, that your destiny is greater than your disaster. Though you may pass through the fire and the water, in the end you will surely come out victorious. Why? Because Jehovah, alone has the final say over your life.
With faith in God’s Word, your victory is sure. Surely they that put their trust in God shall never be ashamed.
Regardless of how contrary things may sometimes seem, the truth is that your greatest days are ahead. What looks like a setback will only position you for a comeback! What looks a trial will only end in your triumph.
Nothing and no one can stop what God is doing through you.
The work God has begun in you He will finish. Indeed what God started in you He will surely complete!
PRAYER: Lord, Please help me to always focus on Your Word, no matter the situation around me. Please, help me to keep my faith strong in You at all times. I know that indeed even right now, You are working out everything for my good in Jesus Name.
QUOTE
The study of The Word will keep shame and disgrace far from you. WORDBITE 222