TOPIC: GOD WILL TAKE AWAY YOUR REPROACH
Read Genesis 30:22-23
MEMORISE: Then the Lord said to Joshua. “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day (Joshua 5:9)
EXPOSITION
Reproach is a state of shame or loss of honour. Victims of Enforced Disappearances and their relatives, who longed to see them one day are greatly reproached, as today commemorates International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Reproach could be the bad situation you find yourself. The reproach could be bareness in your life. It could also be lack of Good health for your life. Satan can bring many kinds of reproach into our lives. You have to know that God is the Owner of everything. God has power over all situations of life. You have to know that nothing is permanent in this life, only God is permanent. Your reproach is not permanent. lt will soon leave.
Rachel has been without a child for long, but God remembered her when the time came. She even accused her husband of not giving her a child. She envied her sister, she even asked for death (Gen. 30:1). Many have accused another person for their problems. Many have determined in their mind to commit suicide because of the reproach of life. Sometimes what is called “reproach” is allowed by God to test your faith (for a time) as a child of God so that you can have enviable testimony. Remember Joseph, Esther and the parents of John the Baptist.
When you find yourself in a certain reproach, you have to do these things, learn from the scriptures and take these steps:
✓ Learn how to wait upon the Lord.
✓ Consider God’s timing in the situation of life.
✓ Do not cast blame on anybody.
✓ Do not become fretful, no matter the situation you find yourself.
✓ You must know that there is reason for everything.
✓ You must know that God will remember you as He remembered Rachel (Gen. 30:22).
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, do not allow the reproach of my life to overcome me.
2. Lord, take away every reproach of my life.
3. Lord, help me to recognize you in all situations of my life.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Psalms 89:7 – 90:17; 1 Corinthians 4:14 – 6:1