Life can turn dark in so many ways. We were heading to church and Hubby rolled down his window. As he opened his wallet, he said, “There’s a woman with a sign that says, ‘My kids need to eat.'”
Some put up signs and some sink in self-pity for lack of funds. But many more curse their situation. The same way the Israelites did. Remember how they grumbled when they thought God had forgotten them? They were hungry and thirsty. And they even mumbled about going back to Egypt where they were slaves! Crazy thinking, in my opinion. But we’ve done the same thing–wish we were in a different place, maybe one we knew long ago. And we murmur our misfortune.
I’m here to challenge you: Toss that grumbling out the window, cross-out those pitiful remarks from your vocabulary, and kick out negative thoughts that take away your peace; and instead, celebrate Chanukah with me. (Please don’t tell me you know what that is…I didn’t, and feel a bit embarrassed about it.)
So I asked. And a precious Jewish friend who now loves Yeshua as her Savior and Lord explained it to me. After I read the explanation, I was so touched by the meaning and the significance that I deposited a huge amount of joy right into the bank account of my heart.
So, read on, take in the message, and ponder on the absolutely wonderful truth God is reminding you through the recount. Here it is:
Chanukah is the Jewish holiday of the festival of lights — where we celebrate when a tiny band of men called the Maccabees conquered the Greek army and recaptured the Temple in Jerusalem. The Greeks had desecrated the temple and all the Jews could find was one day’s worth of oil to light the eternal light — which must burn continually, according to the Lord’s command. It takes eight days to produce the proper oil from the olives to use in the temple. But in faith, they used the little bit of oil — and it ended up lasting the full eight days — enough time to consecrate the new oil. It was a miracle all around — and that is why we light a Menorah, called a chanukiah — each day for eight days — to honor the Lord for his faithfulness and miracles!
Okay, you know God is the same yesterday, today and forever…do you think He’ll provide what you need? When you need it? And give you the oil, though meager it might seem, to last to cover the biggest bill in the pile?
God worked a miracle long ago…and He will now too. Not enough oil, but still, they lit the candles in trusting, not doubting, not wondering, not questioning — but in faith — and why shouldn’t we do the same?
Pray with me: Lord, I place the oil of faith before you. And I count on your Word, your promise and your provision to take care of all my needs. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
What needs will you bring before the Lord today?
Janet
Janet Eckles
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