Thank God for your double portion
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On today’s podcast, I talked about how, this past Sunday at church, my husband Kenya opened about the time I miscarried during our first year of marriage.
When the devastating news was revealed by our doctor, I felt empty, depressed and physically weak. I refused to eat. I could not sleep. Everything reminded me of the baby I would never hold.
But by the grace of God, we conceived again.
Still, even after learning I was pregnant for the second time, I was yet in the grieving process. I had not fully overcome the shock and trauma of the previous loss. As a result, I ended up fighting a mental battle during my second pregnancy. One day, I had a full-on meltdown. I lost it! The spirit of fear, which I knew wasn’t from God, gripped my heart. I cried and heaved, and nearly hyperventilated, imagining losing another child.
I prayed earnestly that God would give me peace and confidence that He would bring me safely through delivery. And He heard my prayer. After that breakdown, the presence of the Lord comforted me. I leaned on His strength; I had none of my own left. I can truly say that 2 Corinthians 12:9 is true. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. He upheld me and held my hand.
These days, when I mentally go back to that time in my life, I realize I was not prepared for all the ways brokenness, hurt and loss would impact me years down the line.
Perhaps you haven’t lost a child, or maybe you have; either way, there has been some heartbreak, or disappointment, or some intimidating situations that made you fearful. That’s why it’s so important to build yourself up in the faith. Meditate on God’s promises. Focus on His word. Remind yourself often of His love and faithfulness toward you.
I know it can be hard to look ahead and believe for good things to happen when you have suffered losses, setbacks and endured failures. The enemy loves to torture us by using our past and making us believe things won’t work out.
But he is a liar.
Although, to this day, I can’t tell you why Kenya and I lost our first child, I do know that the Lord healed our hearts and restored what we lost. We are now the proud parents of four.
Friend, I don’t know what you might have lost or what heartbreak you have endured. But this I do know: it’s not over. God is not finished with you. He’s not through blessing you. Good things are on the way, despite the bad things that may have preceded them.
“Don’t let past failures and struggles make you fearful and pessimistic. God has great things in store for you. Rebuke fear. Embrace faith! ”
Earlier today, I was talking to our youngest son about Job in the Bible, and all this man of God went through. You likely know the story, but to briefly recap, Job, an upright and holy man, was living in total misery. He didn’t do anything wrong and yet, suffered a great deal. One moment, he was a picture of wealth, health and happiness.
The next moment, death hit and Job mourned the loss of seven sons and three daughters. Lack hit and all of his wealth disappeared. Sickness hit and there were open sores all over his body. Relationship troubles hit and his wife turned on him, telling Job to curse God and die. Even his once loyal friends lost respect for Job and began blaming him for his trials.
Job was being hit from every angle, with no sign of relief in sight. But in due time, God intervened. In Job 42:10, we learn that the Lord not only restored Job, but He gave him twice as much as he had before. This faithful servant of God received double.
Can you believe God for double? He’ll do it in your life, just as He did it in Job’s life. Still today, we serve the God of the double portion. He loves going above and beyond what we expect to happen.
As you reflect on Job, consider something. According to biblical scholars, Job’s name means “the persecuted one.” His name reflected his life. It was full of persecution, suffering, pain and distress. But, despite the meaning of his name, God ordained that Job would not be perpetually defined by his struggle.
Neither will you. Just as Job came out of a season of persecution and into a season of restoration, you will also.
You will not be defined by what you lost, what you currently lack, or the areas in which you’ve suffered in the past. To look at your life right now, someone might label you: the persecuted one; the struggling one; the depressed one; the broke one; the unemployed one; the heartbroken one; the abandoned one; the forgotten one; the sick one; the failing one; or the defeated one.
But the Lord has a plan and you will be called the restored one; the healed one; the victorious one; the prosperous one; the free one!
Begin expecting a breakthrough. Thank God in advance for your double portion. Rejoice for it. Know that God is turning things around in your favor. You're coming out. Your season is changing for the better.
To help you confess this truth, I’m stirring Isaiah 61:7 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, rebuke discouragement. See your present difficulties and harrowing circumstances as transitional phases on your road to breakthrough. Give thanks for this double dose of favor, blessings and increase that’s on its way to you. Praise God now for your season of prosperity. It is His will to prosper you in all things.
God’s word will come to pass in your life and He will restore unto you double.
Now let’s pray.
God, I have been hurt, disappointed and unfulfilled in some areas of my life. But I know this is not all You have for me. You will heal the broken places and restore what I have lost. So, today, by faith, I thank You for my double portion and anticipate all the blessings You will pour out. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
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