A devotional by Patricia Russell
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” – Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
One of my favorite movies is It's a Wonderful Life.
The story is based on the life of George Bailey, who, like so many of us, experiences many twists and turns in his life. Every time George was on the verge of moving in the direction that he dreamed, hoped, and planned, there was an interruption that would turn things upside down.
George remembers others. However, when it's his time to step into his dream, others forget him.
There is a scene when Uncle Billy, who works at the family business building and loans office, makes a major deposit at the bank. Uncle Billy heads into the bank, places an envelope of money on the table, and walks away. Uncle Billy had tied a string around his finger to remind him of the reason he went into the bank in the first place. The string is strategically tied to his index finger so that he would remember. I'm sure you see where this is going – he forgot what he was supposed to do. As a result of his forgetfulness, George's life plans are derailed yet once again.
It feels great when someone remembers to keep their promise to us. It tells them that you have a place of importance in their minds, which is truly impactful. Whenever I travelled out of town or overseas, I would always bring back a gift for my family. I told them to look in my bag and see if there was something they liked. They knew what was theirs, and their smiles were priceless. I believe God wants us to feel this same way.
During this time of restriction and change, we may have felt somewhat forgotten. We have missed seeing each other at church and weekly gatherings. We are not bumping into people in the work hallways or the coffee machine, and the feeling of isolation is somewhat saddening. I know what this feels like.
It feels great when someone remembers to keep their promise to us. It tells them that you have a place of importance in their minds, which is truly impactful. Whenever I travelled out of town or overseas, I would always bring back a gift for my family. I told them to look in my bag and see if there was something they liked. They knew what was theirs, and their smiles were priceless. I believe God wants us to feel this same way.
During this time of restriction and change, we may have felt somewhat forgotten. We have missed seeing each other at church and weekly gatherings. We are not bumping into people in the work hallways or the coffee machine, and the feeling of isolation is somewhat saddening. I know what this feels like.
I also recall someone in scripture who understood these feelings all too well.
In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Joseph the Dreamer. Joseph is sold off to the Egyptians by his brothers. However, he finds favor in the eyes of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard, and is positioned to oversee his entire property. One day he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and is thrown into prison. Joseph might have thought, How could this happen? Has God forgotten the dreams that He gave me?
However, Joseph does not stop dreaming. Later, he has a dream about the butler. Joseph tells the butler his dream, and the butler promises not to forget Joseph. His promise, however, was as strong as Uncle Billy's string tied to his finger. He forgot Joseph.
Sit for a moment with how Joseph may have felt. Like George Bailey, he may have felt like every time he made a step forward, he was kicked down a few pegs. Feelings of loneliness that sit with the feeling of being forgotten are discouraging.
Can you relate to this picture? Have you been doing what you know to be right, and yet you feel overlooked? Have you been praying and waiting for something to change in your career, and you wonder if your prayers are being heard? You are not forgotten. I, too, have prayed and asked God for change. I have watched while others have been chosen and wonder if God has taken the string off his finger to remind him that I'm still standing in line for my answer, for my breakthrough.
What I've learned is this: While we wait and remain faithful, God is working in the background, and He has not forgotten us. The scriptures state that God can be trusted to keep His promise (Hebrews 10:23 NLT). My friend, the character of the One who has promised is that of faithfulness.
Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, your Word tells me you are faithful, which means you never change. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There are days when I feel forgotten, but I will hold on to the truth of your word that surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Thank You Lord, for always remembering me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
In the book of Genesis, we read the story of Joseph the Dreamer. Joseph is sold off to the Egyptians by his brothers. However, he finds favor in the eyes of Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard, and is positioned to oversee his entire property. One day he is falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and is thrown into prison. Joseph might have thought, How could this happen? Has God forgotten the dreams that He gave me?
However, Joseph does not stop dreaming. Later, he has a dream about the butler. Joseph tells the butler his dream, and the butler promises not to forget Joseph. His promise, however, was as strong as Uncle Billy's string tied to his finger. He forgot Joseph.
Sit for a moment with how Joseph may have felt. Like George Bailey, he may have felt like every time he made a step forward, he was kicked down a few pegs. Feelings of loneliness that sit with the feeling of being forgotten are discouraging.
Can you relate to this picture? Have you been doing what you know to be right, and yet you feel overlooked? Have you been praying and waiting for something to change in your career, and you wonder if your prayers are being heard? You are not forgotten. I, too, have prayed and asked God for change. I have watched while others have been chosen and wonder if God has taken the string off his finger to remind him that I'm still standing in line for my answer, for my breakthrough.
What I've learned is this: While we wait and remain faithful, God is working in the background, and He has not forgotten us. The scriptures state that God can be trusted to keep His promise (Hebrews 10:23 NLT). My friend, the character of the One who has promised is that of faithfulness.
Let's Pray: Heavenly Father, your Word tells me you are faithful, which means you never change. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. There are days when I feel forgotten, but I will hold on to the truth of your word that surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Thank You Lord, for always remembering me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.
*Note from Alexis: Patricia's devotional message today reminds me of the song "God of All My Days" performed by Casting Crowns. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.
Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.
Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.
Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.
Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.
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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com
~*~
Author Bio:
Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.
Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.
Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.
Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.
~*~
Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com
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