faith – CadreMen Press

Their Season In Your Life

“Their Season In Your Life” By Kirk Hunt

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Hebrews 13:2 NKJV
Please also read Genesis 18:1-14

Abraham rushed around the camp getting dinner together for three men. These men, often considered angels by Biblical scholars, came into Abraham and Sarah’s life for a very brief season. They left behind the God-given promise of an infant born within twelve months to the venerable couple. Abraham unwittingly entertained angels. Have you, or are you now, doing the same?

I am fond of the phase, “When God does not send angels, He sends men and women.” You cannot know the impact a kind gesture has in someone’s life. Conversely, who has helped you at key moments in your journey? Your miracle may have been delivered by an obedient Gospel brother or sister.

Perhaps God’s instrument of blessing and advancement is known to you. Bless and honor them for their obedience to God and you. Cherish the time you have and release them to their next assignment with (tearful) joy and singing.

Even if you do not see them, God has put His powerful agents in your life. God’s faithful ones are obediently doing their part. Honor their sacrifice and do your part as well.

Isaac was born per God’s promise. Were the visitors angels or mere men? All that matters is their season in the life of Sarah and Abraham.

Some of God’s “angels” are flesh-and-blood, just like you. Human or heavenly, they are only in your life for a season. Work your mission and be grateful for those who bless you in God’s work as they pass through.

Think: Who has God put in this season of my life, and why?

Pray: “Lord, thank you for the help of angels or Gospel sisters and brothers in this season.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Your Season In Their Life

“Your Season In Their Life” By Kirk Hunt

“For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:31 NKJV

Children are born helpless and vulnerable. Without the care and nurturing of a parent (or two) they would not survive. Yet, that is only a season in their lives. If parents are successful, weak and dependent kids become strong and independent adults.

Parents are in the lives of their children, for a season. Saints are in the lives of other saints, seekers and sinners for a season. What impact do you have while you have them? What legacy do you leave when they are gone?

You are in the lives of people for a limited time. Often, your time of direct and personal influence and interaction is shorter than you think (or possibly want). Whether you are ready, or not, your offspring, students, colleagues, or protégés will move into a new season in their lives.

Have you fulfilled your God-given purpose for the time you had? How will they explain your impact and legacy to other people, or even themselves? God only loaned them to you. Are they better for their time with you? What will God say when you return them to Him?

You are not responsible for the choices they make, but you are responsible for your teaching and example. They may not understand at first, but you understand now. What impact did you have in their lives? Look past the empty cradle, classroom or work floor to the Kingdom impact.

Think: Am I fulfilling my God-given purpose in this season of their lives?

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in them, in this season.”

Changing Seasons

“Changing Seasons” By Kirk Hunt

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:9 NKJV

Would it be crazy if autumn did not follow summer? No matter how joyous and relaxing the summer, autumn will come. Whatever is happening now, a new season in your life will come. Hard work or ease, placid or chaotic, God loves you and is guiding your walk with Him.

No matter how difficult a season is, unless Jesus returns, there will be a better season in your life. Unfortunately, easy and pleasing seasons will give way to harder seasons. No matter the caliber of a particular time in your life, God remains unchanging and deeply involved in your journey.

Do not confuse your tears with God’s absence. He is there, no matter how much you sweat in your labors. Even when your blood is part of the sacrifice, remember that He gave His blood first.

Father-God remains with us, and loves us, no matter our place or space. The redemption Jesus bought for us remains ours through every celebration, grief or episode. The consolation and empowerment of the Holy Spirit is always with us. Disciples of Jesus Christ can face anything and be victorious.

The seasons will change. God remains the same. Rest assured, He has a loving plan for you in this season and the next. Go confidently in Him from where you are to where you are going.

Think: In every season, God is with me.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully build Your Kingdom in this season.”

After The Petition

“After The Petition” By Kirk Hunt

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27–28 NKJV

Hannah’s petition received a favorable response. God placed Samuel in her arms, then stepped back. Hannah, in turn, stepped up.

She sacrificed her treasured son, just as she vowed. She brought Samuel to the Tabernacle and committed him to God’s service. Then, she turned and walked away, leaving her tender aged child with Eli, the High Priest. Samuel became a great Judge and Prophet because of Hannah’s faithfulness in doing her part.

Too often, we think that we are done after the request is granted. After God does His part, there is much more. We must do our part.

And the price of our part can be high. Ask Hannah. Ask Apostle Paul. Ask Jesus.

We are instructed to bring our prayers and petitions to God. Please, do so. God set His calling on your life and that prayer is part of it. When He answers your petition, you will have another part of your mission in hand.

Just remember that after God does His part, you need to step up and do your part. There will be labor. Sacrifice will be part of your portion. No one said it would be easy.

Flinch, if you must. Cry, if the pain is great. Refuse to leave your portion undone. Be faithful and do your part.

Think: After God grants my petition, my work begins in earnest.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

In The Process

“In The Process” By Kirk Hunt

So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

1 Samuel 1:20 NKJV
Please read 1 Samuel 1:1–22

Hannah accepted by faith Eli’s declaration (verse 17). She went on with the process of her life in expectation. In the process of her mundane life, a miracle came. Her miracle demanded much work and labor, for decades.

Too often we end the story on the high note of the miracle. Scripture records the addition work, effort and sacrifice demanded by receiving a God-given miracle. There had to be a day when Hannah was tired of changing diapers, nursing Samuel and keeping up with her part of the household. Work is not at all glamourous, but is absolutely a part of the process.

Where are you in the process of your miracle? Are you working your part of the process? Since you asked for the miracle, you asked for the work that goes along with the process.

Hannah cried out to God from the depths of her soul. God’s response, through Eli, was not definitive to my ear, but Hannah heard with ears of faith. She started the process, fully expecting Samuel.

Your breakthrough or miracle is part of a process. While God is the source, you have a part in the process, especially after the miracle happens. Faith sees it before it happens and faithfulness keeps you working long after you hold your breakthrough in your hands.

Think: My miracle requires working the process.

Pray: “Lord, help me to faithfully work during the process of my miracle from You.”

See, Then Deliver

“See, Then Deliver” By Kirk Hunt

But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it.”

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

There was no time for a committee meeting or an appeal to the local animal control officer. David saw the bear preparing to eat one of his lambs and he acted. He delivered the lamb from certain death. The optional analysis and discussion phase came only after the work was complete.

Had David not acted, the bear would have eaten the lamb. Worse, she might have come to the conclusion that the flock would be a continuing source of easy meals. Stripped of her dinner, the bear tried to replace the lamb with the annoying shepherd that struck her.

Your God-given vision will remain intangible and unsubstantial until you act. Your vision is a distraction until start building it in the real world. People cannot see your vision as you do, but they can see the work you do.

You do not need to consult with a committee. You are the vision building officer. Men and women, boys and girls need you to deliver the vision God has already given you.

Act wisely. Act promptly. Act and deliver.

Think: Act on the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to deliver what I see in my vision from You.”

See, Then Go Out After It

“See, Then Go Out After It” By Kirk Hunt

1 Samuel 17:34–35 NKJV

As a shepherd, David saw and understood the situation. An apex predator was preparing to eat one of the sheep from his flock. David also saw with vision the dead lion, then went out after the lamb.

Sight is different than vision. Sight sees the current facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they are.

Vision is different than sight. Vision sees a future set of facts and data. As a rational person, you see the circumstances as they will be.

I cannot tell you that your vision is without risk or effort. In fact, I can guarantee you that your God-given vision will require, at a minimum, figurative blood, sweat and tears. The Apostles and Prophets (almost all) lost their lives in fulfilling the vision they received from God.

You see a set of facts and data that do not exist yet. God has sent you that vision in order to guide the work He wants you to accomplish. The tasks you complete will change the situation and transform you. See your assignment, then go out after it.

Think: Go after the vision God gives you.

Pray: “Lord, give me the strength to go after the vision You give me.”

Quiet Lions

“Quiet Lions” By Kirk Hunt

Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

Daniel 6:21–22 NKJV
Read also Daniel 6:1–24

The angel snapped his fingers to get the lions’ attention. “You are going to host Daniel for the night. Sorry, but you will be hungry for the evening.” The lion roars were deafening.

“If you are going to respond like that, then you don’t get to open your mouths until tomorrow.” After another snap of his fingers, complete silence fell on the lions’ den.

Daniel landed face down in the lions’ den, because he prayed. His faith and faithfulness would not allow him to hide. His love of God exceeded his fear of a powerful king, treacherous courtiers or hungry predators.

Godly people are, at times, thrown to the lions. Too often, we are punished for doing the right thing. Even men and women of the strongest faith are not eager for an eyeball-to-eyeball encounter with several Panthera leo.

God does not always deliver us from the lions’ den. I wish I could tell you we are never lion chow. What I can promise is that no matter where we go, or what we face, God’s will and grace remains sovereign.

Quiet lions greeted Daniel. There may be lions roaring in your life, but the God of Daniel, your Father-God, can lead you in quiet security. Walk with God, even among the predators.

Think: God can silence the lions of your life.

Pray: “Lord, help me to trust You through every episode of my life.”

It Shall Be Well

“It Shall Be Well” By Kirk Hunt

And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.

2 Kings 4:23 KJV
Please also read 2 Kings 4: 18-37

“It shall be well.” The Shunammite heard her little boy’s breathing rattle to a stop. She felt the living warmth fade from his body. She laid his cold, still form down to take the only action she knew could help.

“It shall be well.” Her grim determination testified to her understanding of her situation. She wanted a different outcome. Her every word and action demonstrated her unrelenting hope.

“It shall be well.” Her heart and mind likely swam in grief. Her faith carried her over all-too-human reactions and feelings. As she drove hard over the miles, faith kept her in her saddle.

“It shall be well.” Whatever you are facing. No matter how it looks to the natural eye. Regardless of expert opinion.

“It shall be well.” Speak the words, long before you can see the outcome. Testify to your coming success, despite your present setbacks. Use your faith to warm the cold reality of your situation.

“It shall be well.” These words do not prevent hot tears. They are a prelude to hard work. Despite all of that, they are still warm comfort and unyielding hope. Speak the words with real faith™.

“It shall be well.” God is there, with you. He sees your entire situation. He cares. Do you have the faith to speak the words?

Think: Faith stands and acts, despite the circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, I declare, in Your Name, ‘It shall be well.’”

See The Goodness

“See The Goodness” By Kirk Hunt

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

Psalms 27:13 NKJV

The road stretches out before me, narrow and barren. For a moment I consider not continuing. It is then that I remember His many promises, breathed in my soul by the Holy Spirit and confirmed in Scripture. I will walk on and see the goodness.

Even King David could not settle all of his problems and issues with swords or proclamations. He had to work our his own salvation with fear and trembling. Just like you and I. There were days he had to wait to see God’s goodness, in faith and belief.

It is not always easy; doing right, the right way. Laboring and staying faithful for promises you see only faith. Still, now is not the time to lose heart or hope.

Sometimes, as now, there are storms and difficulties. His promises remain certain. There will be better, even in the turbulence. His joy is in you, not in the circumstances.

Do not let anyone, even yourself, tell you that you lack faith or courage. Faith does not ignore the difficulties. Courage does not lessen the blows.

Your advantage is that you know it will be worth it. God’s goodness will be there and then, and eventually it will be here and now. Keep walking the long narrow road to God. Along the way you will find yourself living in the land of God’s goodness.

Think: No matter what I see now, I will live to see God’s goodness in the future.

Pray: “Lord, help me to have faith in Your promises, even in storms.”