BLESSED SUBTRACTIONS
Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a blessed subtraction?” It’s an expression that has taken a life of it’s own over the years among Christians. The reason for it is because believers have experienced that in God’s economy, He subtracts in order to ADD!
On Wednesday nights we’re studying the book of Acts. Presently we’re in Acts chapter 16.
Paul is just beginning his 2nd missionary journey but it began bitter-sweet. His faithful companion Barnabus has set out in another direction and has taken along John Mark. So, there has been a subtraction in Paul’s life. However, when he arrives in the city of Lystra he finds a young disciple named Timothy who will become like a “son” to him and will join him in his 2nd missionary journey – ultimately becoming a great leader in the church. In addition, when the team ends up in Troas, there is strong indication that Luke, a medical doctor, joins the team. This is the same Luke who will later pen the book of Luke and the book of Acts.
So, while there had been some “subtractions” in Paul’s life, there had also been some blessed additions as well!
I want to encourage you. Often the Lord will subtract in order to add to your life. It’s not always a comfortable process though. Sometimes there is pain like when the surgeon removes a cancerous growth in order to add health. The apostle Paul spoke of a painful “thorn” that hurt him for years. However, although there was a subtraction of comfort, God added POWER in Paul’s life promising that His strength is “perfected in weakness” and it was.
Be encouraged.
Keep your eyes on Jesus!
Chances are what you’re going through is a “BLESSED SUBTRACTION!”
God Bless you Pastor Greg, This page is a healing to me and an encouragement right NOW!
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS,
WHEN THE TIDAL WAVE ETERNAL AROUND YOU ROLLS.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS,
HE WILL CALM THE STORMS OF LIFE THAT TOSS YOUR SOUL.
LIVING IN A WORLD THAT’S FULL OF SORROW,
WE ARE TRIED AND TEMPTED EVERY DAY.
KNOWING NOT THE SECRETS OF TOMORROW,
WE FIND IF YOU WIN, WE WATCH AND PRAY.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS,
WHEN THE TIDAL WAVE ETERNAL AROUND YOU ROLLS.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS,
HE WILL CALM THE STORMS OF LIFE THAT TOSS YOUR SOUL.
In Matthew, Chapter 14, the disciples were in the ship in the midst of the sea, being tossed with waves,
for the wind was contrary.
Verses 25-31
“In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea,
they were troubled, saying, ‘There’s is a spirit’; and
they cried out for help.
But straightway, Jesus spake unto them, saying,
“Be of good cheer; It is I; Be not afraid.”
And Peter answered him and said, ‘If it be Thou, let me come unto Thee on the water.’
And He said, “Come.” And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, ‘Lord, save me.’…”
Peter was doing fine as long as he had his eyes on Jesus. But we he looked away at the rolling waves about him, he began to sink.
“…And immediately, Jesus stretched forth His Hand, and caught him, and said unto him, “O, thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?””
Being tossed in this life by disappointments and temptations, we are very much the same as this disciple. If we want to walk with Jesus, we must keep our eyes on Him, and not the pleasures of this world.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS,
WHEN THE TIDAL WAVE ETERNAL AROUND YOU ROLLS.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON, JESUS,
HE WILL CALM THE STORMS OF LIFE THAT TOSS YOUR SOUL.
Amen…
~ the Louvin Brothers “Keep Your Eyes On Jesus”
I loved it–thank you. Jan