Encouraging Treats

While I was waiting for my ride home, I spent some time reading God’s word while eating my Sour Cream Shake Shake Fries at McDonald’s. I read Genesis 18:1-15 and these verses (10-15) struck me the most:

“Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?”

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

It was such a timely reminder and encouragement for me because for the past few days, I was distracted from practicing God’s presence in my every moment. There were times when I would struggle with being sick and I would end up focusing on the hassle of being absent from work and the uncomfortable feeling that I was having. Then, there were moments when I wouldn’t be able to spend time thoroughly studying God’s word after work because I was too tired.

But, God, being the faithful and awesome God that He is, gave me an opportunity to seek Him and dwell on WHO HE IS, tonight. :) In the verses above, Sarah immediately laughed at the possibility of her having a son because she focused more on her limitations and weaknesses than on God’s character.

It humbled me because God reminded me that He is God and I am not. And that if He wills for something to happen, it CAN and WILL happen. So, any mistake or weakness that I/we have won’t hinder God from fulfilling the purpose that He has for us in our lives.

While I was shaking and eating my fries, I realized that I was actually enjoying the Shake Shake Fries (one of the limited promos that McDonald’s has every year). I enjoyed it because of the experience of being able to personally add the powder, shake the fries, and eat it. This realization somehow reminded me of the importance of personally experiencing and knowing God too, especially through prayer and studying His word. It is during these privileged moments with Him, that we are able to hear from Him, speak to Him, intentionally listen to Him, and enjoy His presence and goodness in our lives.

I then remembered a song that talks about worshiping God for WHO HE IS and it really uplifted my spirit. It is actually a very simple song, but, it spoke to my heart tonight and encouraged me to keep on knowing who God is and dwell on His goodness, faithfulness, and grace. I hope that it will encourage you as well. :)

“For Who You Are” by Hillsong

Standing here in Your presence
Thinking of the good things You have done
Waiting here patiently
Just to hear Your still small voice again

Holy, righteous, faithful to the end,
Saviour, healer, redeemer and friend

I will worship You for who You are
I will worship You for who You are
I will worship You for who You are
Jesus

My soul secure, Your promise sure
Your love endures always

Encourage yourself one tune at a time. :)