Encouragement and Provocation
Exodus 14, Luke 19:1-10

When the word of God becomes the source of encouragement and provocation, it will build in you the boldness and the character that makes man a winner in the race of life. Encouragement is to know as a child of God that your challenges are not accidental, it could be for God to gain honor over your enemy. The children of Israel, having been delivered from the house of bondage (Egypt) by the outstretched hand of God would have expected a smooth journey to the Promised Land. However, God decided to take them through where they were bewildered by the land and closed in by the wilderness. On God’s route for them, God declared, “Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD.” And they did so.” (Exodus 14:4) God wanted to gain honor over the challenges of the children of Israel. God’s plan was not for evil to be elevated in the life of His children but it was to relegate evil. Are you facing life consuming challenges or unexpected challenges where there seems to be no way out? Be encouraged in the Lord. God has not forgotten you, He never sleeps nor slumbers but He will gain honor in His deliverance plan for your life. Also, in your seeking Him, be motivated that when you seek Him diligently, you will see Him. The story of Zacchaeus is evidence that when there is a provocation to see Jesus, Jesus will end up in our house (heart). Zacchaeus had everything in place not to have a need to see Jesus. He was a tax collector, a rich man; the crowd was a great factor to deny him because he was a short man. Despite all the factors that could deny him, there was a stirring in him that was pushing for his need to see Jesus. He ran ahead of the crowd and he also climbed the tree. God that sees all could not overlook Zacchaeus’ desire to see Jesus. “And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5). Provocation that brings Jesus to abide in your house (life) will make you become a living character of Jesus. Encouragement by the word will build you up to become bold in your approach to life. The word of God will build in you the boldness and character that makes man a winner in the race of life.
 
Prayer for today: Father I ask for enablement in gaining the boldness and character that makes man a winner to the glory of Your holy name.