GOD KNOWS WHAT WE NEED
Devotional for Thursday May 12, 2022
Sometimes, we have made requests and we think that God does not answer us, or worse, we believe that he has answered us with the opposite of what we asked for. When that happens, we get discouraged, and some even turn away from God. Today, I want to remind you of something that we know but that sometimes forget: We only know what we want, but God knows what we need, and as the good Father that He is, He will not give us what we are asking for unless it coincides with what we really need. On many occasions this is something we ignore. The paralytic who was lowered through the roof, as the biblical story tells us, shows us that great truth. What he wanted was healing of the body, and Jesus first healed his soul. So, the next time you ask for something and receive something different, be as the paralyzed man who did not complain. Be thankful because, surely, what God gave you will cover your greatest need. Be patient, as he healed the paralyzed man, perhaps a in short time, God can grant your request, if it coincides with the purpose that He has for you.
Written by Natileydis González,
Translated by Maria Elena Cardona
Morning Mark 2:1-9
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
Noon Psalm 30
1 I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
2 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
3 O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
4 Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
7 LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.
9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Evening Psalm 118:9
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Prayer Guide: [México-Chetumal] and [Ecuador-Sergio Toral]
This month's challenge is: Identify each character virtue of Christ and incorporate it into your own character. Spend more time with the people you love. Evaluate daily if your behavior resembles that of Jesus. Constantly ask yourself before making a decision or doing anything, what would Christ have done in my place? Study more deeply the life of Christ and ask God to help you be a better Christian.
Annual Bible reading: Nehemiah 6, 7, 8
