Devotional for the Week 27 Sep 2004

This Week's Devotional | 2004 Devotionals | 2005 Devotionals

Devotional For the Week 27 September 2004

When You Wonder If God Cares

Reference: John 2:1 – 11

THE PROBLEM OF FAITH TO ADDRESS

It was an untimely and unexpected problem. At the wedding at Cana of Galilee, there was no more wine to serve the guests. It had to be solved urgently; otherwise, some guests might have left without having their fill of wine.

This incident mirrors some of the problems we face, don’t they? For example, you have been fit all along but unexpectedly the latest medical check-up showed that there was something wrong with you. In another instance, you were in charge of a major project in your office which had been plagued with problems. Your boss didn’t fully understand your difficulties and all that he wanted was for you to solve them urgently!

Don’t be deceived – Read the Word of God

Beloved, I believe God wants us to take courage when we encounter similar problems like these. Recognise that they are problems of faith for you to address. Do not be deceived by the evil one into thinking that God cannot help you or is not interested to help you. During times of adversity, it is imperative to find out what God says to you:

God says He is near (Psalm 73:28). His love is steadfast (Romans 8:37-39). He is for us (Romans 8:31; Psalm 118:6).

THE PERSON OF FAITH TO APPROACH

When there was no wine, Mary first approached Jesus and then the servants. She said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:3). Mary knew Jesus and believed in Him. Would we have done likewise in such a situation? My guess is that most of us will first approach people before turning to Jesus for help.

Don’t be distracted – Respond to Jesus Christ

Do we know who to approach when we are faced with trouble? In the midst of our problems, respond to Jesus in F.A.I.T.H. which simply means Forsaking All, I Trust Him.

Hebrews 11:6 says, ‘And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.’

THE PURPOSE OF FAITH TO ADMONISH

Why was the account at Cana written? I believe it is not so much about the miracle but the Master of miracles, Jesus Christ Himself. It is not so much about turning water to wine but of turning ourselves to God.

John 2:11 states, ‘This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.’ It was for this purpose that Jesus performed his first miracle.

John 20:30, 31 also says, ‘Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.’

Don’t delay – Resolve to Act

Today, if you are going through difficult times, trust God – put your faith in Him. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.' (Proverbs 3:5-6)

If you believe wholeheartedly, you will act on what you believe.

It’s not about the miracles but the Master.

It’s not about the problem but the Person of Jesus Christ.

It’s not about your trouble but your Trust.

It’s not about confusion but Conviction of your heart.

- by Dr Ho Boon Tiong

Home \| About Us \| BMC This Week \| Ministries \| Gallery \| Devotional \| Resources \| Opportunities \| Contacts
This Week's Devotional \| 2004 Devotionals \| 2005 Devotionals Devotional For the Week 27 September 2004 When You Wonder If God Cares Reference: John 2:1 – 11 THE PROBLEM OF FAITH TO ADDRESS It was an untimely and unexpected problem. At the wedding at Cana of Galilee, there was no more wine to serve the guests. It had to be solved urgently; otherwise, some guests might have left without having their fill of wine. This incident mirrors some of the problems we face, don’t they? For example, you have been fit all along but unexpectedly the latest medical check-up showed that there was something wrong with you. In another instance, you were in charge of a major project in your office which had been plagued with problems. Your boss didn’t fully understand your difficulties and all that he wanted was for you to solve them urgently! Don’t be deceived – Read the Word of God Beloved, I believe God wants us to take courage when we encounter similar problems like these. Recognise that they are problems of faith for you to address. Do not be deceived by the evil one into thinking that God cannot help you or is not interested to help you. During times of adversity, it is imperative to find out what God says to you: God says He is near (Psalm 73:28). His love is steadfast (Romans 8:37-39). He is for us (Romans 8:31; Psalm 118:6). THE PERSON OF FAITH TO APPROACH When there was no wine, Mary first approached Jesus and then the servants. She said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” (John 2:3). Mary knew Jesus and believed in Him. Would we have done likewise in such a situation? My guess is that most of us will first approach people before turning to Jesus for help. Don’t be distracted – Respond to Jesus Christ Do we know who to approach when we are faced with trouble? In the midst of our problems, respond to Jesus in F.A.I.T.H. which simply means Forsaking All, I Trust Him. Hebrews 11:6 says, ‘And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.’ THE PURPOSE OF FAITH TO ADMONISH Why was the account at Cana written? I believe it is not so much about the miracle but the Master of miracles, Jesus Christ Himself. It is not so much about turning water to wine but of turning ourselves to God. John 2:11 states, ‘This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.’ It was for this purpose that Jesus performed his first miracle. John 20:30, 31 also says, ‘Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; But these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.’ Don’t delay – Resolve to Act Today, if you are going through difficult times, trust God – put your faith in Him. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.' (Proverbs 3:5-6) If you believe wholeheartedly, you will act on what you believe. It’s not about the miracles but the Master. It’s not about the problem but the Person of Jesus Christ. It’s not about your trouble but your Trust. It’s not about confusion but Conviction of your heart. - by Dr Ho Boon Tiong
(C) BMC 2005 All Rights Reserved