As we head into Friday and I prepare to close out the week strong, I turn my focus to God and all that He has in store for what is yet to come, trusting in Him and praise Him for who He is. With my prayers and praises going to Him, I am asking for His strength in my weakness so that in and through it all He will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory in Jesus’ name.
This morning while on my walk with the dogs and worship time, a song came on that encouraged me heading into today from Matthew West called Don’t Stop Praying. Its lyrics provided encouragement and the reminder to keep praying and so wanted to share it here before we go any further.
Finish Strong
So going into today and looking to finish strong, we need to remember that with God all things are possible. We need to stop worrying and start praying. Consider what Jesus had to say about the topic:
'Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ' -- Luke 12:22-34
God’s Word reminds us to pray and petition with thanksgiving rather than worrying through scriptures like:
- Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
- John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
- Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “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 straight your paths.”
Pray and Trust
God’s Word reminds us to pray and petition with thanksgiving rather than worrying. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This powerful passage teaches us to replace anxiety with prayer, bringing our needs before God with a grateful heart, trusting that He will provide the peace we seek.
Additionally, 1 Peter 5:6-7 instructs us to, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” This reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His care for us is constant. By surrendering our worries to Him, we acknowledge His sovereignty and find comfort in His care.
Seeking Peace
Jesus provides us with peace that the world cannot give, as stated in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This peace is a divine gift, guarding our hearts from the anxieties that can overwhelm us. Proverbs 3:5-6 further advises, “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 straight your paths.” Trusting in God’s wisdom rather than our own, especially during uncertain times, directs our paths toward His perfect plan for us.
Embrace God’s Promises
In conclusion, as you prepare to finish this week strong and step into new opportunities, remember that God is in control. Trust in His promises and lean on His understanding. Pray continually, casting all your anxieties upon Him, for He cares for you deeply. As you seek His kingdom and His righteousness, all your needs will be met. Stay encouraged, knowing that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Embrace this truth and step confidently into your new job, assured that God is with you every step of the way.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
God’s Word is active and alive! It never returns void! God’s Word is sharp enough to cut through the stuff and get to the core of the situations and circumstances. So, don’t limit yourself to my notes but rather use the links above to read or have it read to you so that God is able to speak into your life situations and circumstances. Remember how God’s Word is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training to ensure we are thoroughly equipped.
2 Kings 19
God Hears Our Prayers
In 2 Kings 19, we see the story of King Hezekiah facing a dire situation as the Assyrian army threatens Jerusalem. In his desperation, Hezekiah goes to the temple and prays, laying out his concerns before the Lord (2 Kings 19:14-19). God’s response, delivered through the prophet Isaiah, reassures Hezekiah that God has heard his prayers and will deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians (2 Kings 19:20-34). This passage highlights the power of prayer and God’s faithfulness in answering His people’s cries for help.
Key Takeaway: God hears and responds to our prayers, especially in times of trouble.
Practical Application: As you pursue a new job, take all your concerns and uncertainties to God in prayer. Trust that He hears you and will guide you through this season. Just as Hezekiah was reassured and ultimately delivered, believe that God has a plan for you and is working on your behalf.
- Jerusalem’s Deliverance Foretold
- Hezekiah’s Prayer
- Isaiah Prophesies Sennacherib’s Fall
2 Kings 20
God’s Healing and Provision
In 2 Kings 20, King Hezekiah falls ill and is at the point of death. He prays fervently, and God hears his prayer, granting him fifteen more years of life (2 Kings 20:1-6). This miraculous healing is a testament to God’s power and willingness to intervene in our lives when we seek Him earnestly. Additionally, God provides a sign to confirm His promise, demonstrating His faithfulness and care (2 Kings 20:8-11).
Key Takeaway: God is our healer and provider, responding to our sincere prayers with compassion and action.
Practical Application: In your job search, pray for God’s guidance and provision. Trust that He knows your needs and will provide in His perfect timing. Just as He healed Hezekiah and extended his life, God can bring opportunities and open doors that align with His will for your career.
- Hezekiah’s Illness
- Envoys From Babylon
A Future Filled with Hope
As we reflect on today’s readings and prepare to step into the weekend, let us be encouraged by the examples of King Hezekiah’s faith and God’s unwavering faithfulness. Hezekiah’s prayers during times of distress (2 Kings 19) and illness (2 Kings 20) remind us that God hears our cries and responds with compassion and action. Just as Hezekiah sought God wholeheartedly and experienced deliverance and healing, we too can trust that God is attentive to our prayers and will guide us through our challenges.
Trust in God’s Unchanging Promises
In all circumstances, whether facing imminent threats or personal trials, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength. The same God who delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrians and extended Hezekiah’s life is present in our lives, ready to provide and protect. Trusting in His unchanging promises gives us the courage to face each day with confidence and hope.
Embrace Faith in Your Job Search
As you seek a new job, bring all your concerns to God in prayer, trusting that He knows your needs and will provide in His perfect timing. Just as Hezekiah experienced God’s intervention, believe that God has a plan for you and is preparing the right opportunities. Stay encouraged and keep praying, knowing that God is with you every step of the way.
Walking in God’s Peace and Provision
Embrace God’s Promises and Peace
In conclusion, let the lessons from 2 Kings 19-20 and the encouraging scriptures we have explored today fortify your faith as you move forward. Trust in God’s promises, pray continually, and cast all your anxieties upon Him. As you finish this week strong and step into the weekend, remember that God is in control, and His peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Step confidently into your new job search, assured that God’s provision and guidance are with you every step of the way. Stay encouraged and keep your focus on His kingdom, knowing that He cares for you deeply and will meet all your needs in His perfect timing.
Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?
Let’s pray:
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 
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