Before we get started - I want to encourage you to read Genesis 17:1-3
I don't know what trials or experiences you are facing as you read this today - but I would imagine that most of us could say that we have or are facing the impossible!
Think about this with me for just a moment...
What will it take to relieve your anxiety?
(we all have areas that keep us from sleeping)
How much is enough?
(enough what? money, security, friends, acceptance, etc)
I want to share with you today - that God is the answer to both of the questions above!
God is enough. He is sufficient for ALL your needs!
There are wonderful promises in the Bible. Like the one found in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Or like Philippians 4:6, "Be anxious for nothing."
Can these really be true in your life - or are they just words on a page that sound good. Can they REALLY be true in our lives?! With a resounding YES - I want to scream!
Share with us if you have experienced how God is truly enough and how He can relieve your anxiety.
Kay shares with us the Greek meaning of this name for God - El Shaddai. As we have studied in previous chapters the "El" means mighty and powerful. So what about the Shaddai part. It has been widely accepted that Shaddai comes from another Hebrew word - Shad - which means to nourish or supply. As a woman this has an even more personal meaning and/or understanding. The Hebrew word Shad actually means The Pourer or the Shedder forth. It also has a meaning of "breasted".
So to put these all together we have a God would supplies all of our nourishment by pouring Himself out for His creatures. He sheds forth His Spirit upon us and actually dwells within us.
There is nothing more beautiful and comforting knowing that as a baby cries a mother can provide for this little one from her very being! I know it paints a strange picture - but this is where we get "all-sufficient" - He can provide for everything that we may be hungering for and need.
The thing that I want you to understand from this chapter is not only can He provide for our needs - but He provides in situations that seem impossible!
Look at the verses from Genesis again. This is the first time we see God revealed as El Shaddai - to Abram as he turns 99 years old and again is reminded that he will father a son from Sarai - who is 89 years old. Are you kidding me?! Really?! This can really still happen?! Yes! With God as their El Shaddai - God Almighty - God makes a way from who He is in areas that seem impossible!
Just look at what He did for Abraham & Sarah... El Shaddai brought fruit to an empty & very old womb. Do you have areas that seem impossible to you? Areas where you're sure they are just hopeless - even for God?
So finally I ask you - if God can move and work with the impossibles and make them possibles and fruitful - what's the catch? In other words - what is required of me? Is there something I must do first?
YES!
I see three things that put us in the right position to see God move in our areas of impossibilities.
1. Take this message as a warning.
We will never accomplish for God His plan as long as we are still doing things our way.
Don't use prayer as your last resort!
2. We must be ready to take a posture of positive surrender!
Be willing to let go and let God. Don't do this grudgingly!
3. Be willing to wait!
Wait! Really?!
Abraham & Sarah had to wait for God's timing and so must we!
Today, in the comments section, share with us how you have experienced God as your El Shaddai - how He provided in ways that seemed impossible to you. If you have not experienced God as your El Shaddai, share with us how you will begin to let go & let God take control of those areas that give you anxiety.
I love you all dearly and am so very proud that you are still studying God's Word with me!
Your sis in the faith,
pen
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Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us all! I look forward to praying with and for you as we study God's Word together.