“Mom, look at me!” exclaimed Sarah shuffling forward in her mother’s shoes. Adorned with her mother’s jewelry, scarf and oversized coat, Sara completed her ensemble with her mother’s large purse. “I’m ready to go shopping. Just like you!” Sarah announced. “Ok,” said her mom, “Let’s go!”
Sarah tried to follow her mom to the door, but was stuck in place. “Help,” Sarah squeaked. Laughing her mom removed the oversized coat trading it for one that fit Sara. “I guess, my coat was too big and heavy for you,” her mom said. Grinning Sarah laughed, “I guess I just needed someone to lighten my load!”
WHAT COAT ARE YOU WEARING?
Are you wearing a coat that is several sizes too big? It may not be winter, but many of us are wearing coats. The discouraging news makes our hearts sad and our minds confused. We are hurt by the unkind reactions to violence and loss, especially from friends, coworkers and even family. The heaviness of these feelings weighs us down like wearing an oversized coat.
As the time draws closer to the last days before the return of Jesus, things will continue to grow difficult. Look what the scriptures tell us.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud,
abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love,
unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control,
brutal, not lovers of the good,
treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure
rather than lovers of God,
2 Timothy 3:1-4 NIV
It sounds discouraging, doesn’t it? Don’t worry, our God loves us and has a plan.
ARE DIFFICULT TIMES WEIGHING YOU DOWN?
Weighed down by a heavy, oversized coat, Sara had difficulty moving. Who did she turn to for help? Good old mom. Who can we turn to for help when we feel weighed down in difficult times? Jesus! He is always there just as He promised.
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you;
do not fear nor be dismayed,
Deuteronomy 31:8
IN DIFFICULT TIMES WHAT DO WE DO?
#1. TAKE OFF THE COAT!
For Sarah to lighten her load, she had to take off the oversized coat! When the heaviness of our feelings weighs us down like oversized coats, Jesus is there to take off our coats.
If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens,
come to me and I will give you rest,
Matthew 11:28 CEV
#2. WEAR THE RIGHT COAT!
What is the right coat? A coat that fits! One that always fits is the coat of power we receive through God’s Holy Spirit, (2 Timothy 1:7).
When we wear the coat of God’s power, it will never weigh us down. Wearing it in faith, protects us as we face the difficulties of this world.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay,
to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed,
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ESV
#3. ADORN OURSELVES!
Unlike Sara who adorned herself outwardly with her mother’s apparel and jewels, we adorn ourselves inwardly. How do we do that? By coming to Jesus in prayer, petition and thanksgiving. He will in turn adorn our spirits in peace, (Philippians 4:6-7).
#4. PICK AN ACCESSORY!
Sarah accessorized by carrying her mother’s large purse. What accessory can we carry? An accessory of greater value; the shield of faith!
As we encounter difficult times, our faith in Jesus acts like a shield. Our faith enables us to quench those feelings before they weigh us down.
Above all, taking the shield of faith
with which you will be able to quench all
the fiery darts of the wicked one,
Ephesians 6:16
HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE COAT?
In those times when we struggle with an oversized, heavy coat of sadness, confusion or discouragement, we can remember that Jesus will have the ultimate victory.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world,
John 16:33 NIV
Our faithful God will keep His promise that one day, Jesus, the Prince of Peace will bring us peace.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares,
And their spears into pruning hooks;
Nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
Neither shall they learn war anymore.
But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree,
And no one shall make them afraid;
For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken,
Micah 4:3b-4
REFLECTION
Are you wearing an oversized coat?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write John 16:33 and say it aloud, take my oversized coat. Help me to wear Your coat of power, adorned with Your peace and carrying faith. In Jesus name. Amen.
IN FAITH GIVE THE OVERSIZED COAT
TO JESUS
Comment!
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*For information on making Jesus Christ your Savior, email me or visit, http://www.peacewithgod.net/
Photo jugs, Daniele Levis Pelusi
Photo dog, Denys Sergushkin
Photo cat, Laszlo
Photo Jesus, Kar3nt
