Hard Times
Posted by Dion Todd September 13th, 2024 1,164 Views 31 Comments
You therefore put your belt on your waist, arise, and say to them all that I command you. Don't be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them. For, behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you", says Yahweh, "to rescue you." Jeremiah 1:17-19 WEB.
Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet because the Lord gave him a challenging mission: To warn His people that their wicked ways would eventually bring destruction. For forty years, almost everyone was against him. The prophet Jeremiah spent much of his time in pits in the ground, empty cisterns, and jail. Even the other prophets in the city disagreed with him.
Jeremiah represented the Lord, while everyone else was against him, and he didn't want the job. When Jeremiah prophesied, the people didn't cheer. Instead, they tried to kill him. Yet, he did his job for over forty years because the Lord was with him.
As a prophet, this was Jeremiah's work. A prophet hears a word from God and then tells it to the people. They face the people with the Lord behind them. The job of a priest is the opposite. They take the needs of the people to God. The priest stands with the people behind him, facing the Lord. Priests are typically more in tune with the people than the Lord. In contrast, prophets are usually more in tune with the Lord than the people.
Sometimes you can try your best to serve God, but it can feel like it is just you against the entire world, especially in the workplace. The more that you do right, the more things seem to go wrong. You may begin to wonder if you are on the right side of this thing at all.
I once went through a personal revival, set out on a two-week fast, and made it a goal to listen to the Bible twenty-four hours a day. At the end of the two weeks, I was laid off from my job. It came suddenly and unexpectedly. It worked out fine in the long run, but it wasn't a pleasant experience with a new house payment. That was the path that led me to start my own computer business, which prepared me for the ministry we do today and for maintaining an online church.
If you face a battle today, the good news is that you don't have to face it alone. Even if you dug the pit you got trapped in, the Lord is willing to help you climb out of it if you sincerely ask Him. Trying to serve God with all your heart doesn't mean that your life will be easy, but He will be with you to save you, deliver you, and rescue you. You will still be standing when all those who wish you were gone are long gone.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for being there for me. I look to You to take care of me today. You can see the big picture of time, whereas I can only see the past. Please lead me and help me make the right decisions in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
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Sherry Mccosh commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
4 days ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for being there for me. I look to You to take care of me today. You can see the big picture of time, whereas I can only see the past. Please lead me and help me make the right decisions in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Suzanne Russell commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
You sure outlined my situation. I'm not a prophet or apostle, but I am a prayer warrior and I have definitely felt alone most of the time in my life. I usually haven't minded that as long as I have a good relationship with God and can hear from Him. It's hard though when a long period of time lapses and even though there are answers to prayer, I don't always feel the closeness I would like to feel. He does other things though to help me, small things to let me know He's still there and I know He wants me to walk by faith more. Once a whole church turned against me because the devil had someone accuse me of having a demon. Leadership believed it and never came to talk with me or even see if I had fallen. I was shunned. That was years ago and it's still going on, the attack against me, at times. I don't do anything to provoke these attacks as far as I can see, except pray for the pastors and the churches and against attacks against others. At least I have a good church now where people are not attacking me, and the Pastors are not believing all they hear from these people. Our senior Pastor always says there are two sides to every story. That saved my life recently when he said that and the head Pastor received it and has never treated me badly or rejected me. This is not a Spirit Filled church right now, but it used to be. Since I have been here, I have been led to pray for us all to come into compliance with the leading of the Holy Spirit. It's taken years, but it's coming into fruition. Sunday we had a tongues and almost had the interpretation! First time ever, since we have been there! God is moving and the Pastors are teaching the people more about the moving of the Holy Spirit. Most have come from Baptist and other demonations, but there are still some spirit filled people in the church. Please pray for us. I know God is working but we need help.
Dan Remley
1 week ago
I pray the Lord brings you peace Suzanne ❤️ Enjoy your day and be happy and smile a lot ❤️
Suzanne Russell
6 days ago
I usually do smile a lot, Dan! Thank you for praying for me! God is so good!
Nell Neathery commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
thanks Pastor...I have been going through hard times as usual. Jesus said we will have long suffering. But I am hanging on to the good times. Yesterday, I struggled very much, mostly by Philip talking about me behind my back to one of the female staff workers...she told me about it and then took up for him. I saw him at lunch today but I didn't want to sit with him...I am tired of his antics. My friends sat with him, and i looked behind me and he was talking about me after I asked one of my friends if he was talking about me and she said he was. I have through enough with him in a bad way...I don't need anymore complications. I have been here 5 years and 4 years with him. and Praise God, I may have a better home where I can live and be better, waiting for God to send me the best.
Please pray for me.
Dan Remley
1 week ago
God bless you Nell. I pray that the Lord guides you into a better situation. I pray He brings you happiness and love ❤️ Enjoy your day. You can only control things that you can. Give it over to God and be happy knowing He is there for you friend ❤️ and so are we here at RHM ❤️
Lynn Brown commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for being there for me. I look to You to take care of me today. You can see the big picture of time, whereas I can only see the past. Please lead me and help me make the right decisions in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Wanda Pennington commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Yes Heavenly Father in Jesus Name I ask and pray. Brothers and Sisters i am leaving NC today for Texas to be with my ill sister Pat. I would appreciate your prayers for a safe trip and for God to do miracles for Pat. Thank you all in Jesus Name, Amen
Dan Remley
1 week ago
Lord be with Wanda and keep her safe during her travels and always. Please bring comfort and healing to her sister Pat and let them enjoy each other's company. Amen ❤️
Lynn Brown
1 week ago
Father, I pray for a complete and speedy healing for Pat. Please give Wanda safe travels from NC to TX and home again. Bless their time together. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Yvette York
1 week ago
Sending and positive thoughts for you to get to Texas safely and a speedy recovery for your sister
Bella Colliander
1 week ago
Prayers for a safe journey and that God heals your sister Pat. Our Lord be with you.🕊️
Dan Remley commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Lord please guide me and be with me today and always. Help me make good decisions even if I might want to make the wrong one. Give me strength and courage to do the right thing always. In Jesus name I pray Amen❤️
Nell Neathery commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
This is shared by the pastor in one of his devotionals...Today's is titled "Hard Times"
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for being there for me. I look to You to take care of me today. You can see the big picture of time, whereas I can only see the past. Please lead me and help me make the right decisions in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) ~
If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network. If you are interested in joining the prayer team, here is how to get started Prayer Partners.
Donald Woodard commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Thank you for this word today. Lord, lead me to do Your will. Amen! God Bless!
Burma Welber commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Yes, Please Lord lead me and help me make the right decisions in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Thank you for this message.
Debi Burton commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for being there for me. I look to You to take care of me today. You can see the big picture of time, whereas I can only see the past. Please lead me and help me make the right decisions in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Narciso Salas commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Life is a battle. Do not let go of God's hand.
Yvette York commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Heavenly Father Thank You For Everything You Do For Me And My Family And Friends Amen Good Morning Everyone 😀
Bella Colliander commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Heavenly Father, To know that you are always with me brings peace and assurance that I'll not be standing alone. Thank you for all you do for me everyday. Amen!🕊️
Laura Manusa-silova commented on Dion Todd's blog post: Hard Times
1 week ago
Amen❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥🔥🙌🙌🙌
