12 Dec He’s our Good Shepherd by Shannon Longoria
I love this scripture about Jacob blessing Joseph’s children in Gen. 48:15 & 16
He said: “The God who has been my Shepherd [leading and caring for me] all my life to this day, The Angel [that is, the Lord Himself] who has redeemed me [continually] from all evil, Bless these boys…”
There’s so much going on here but what stood out to me the most in this verse is that he praised our God for His faithful love. He didn’t praise God because He made his life perfect. He praised a God who took care of him through the rough times. In his early years, Jacob cheated his brother, had a rough relationship with his father-in-law, his children didn’t get along, and he struggled in a famine. But in the end, God restored everything that had been taken and brought his family together. Through all of the circumstances Jacob went through, his prayer, in essence, spoke to everyone there that the same God who shepherded, led and cared for him would also do that and more for the next generations.
His heart didn’t get hard through the circumstances, so God was able to bless him. That’s the amazing God we serve!…our very personal, loving God who shepherds us. Jacob’s life wasn’t perfect, and neither is ours. But we can either be negative, or we can look at what God has done through the hard times, the people He’s connected to us, and the times He’s taken us out of trouble.
That’s what I love about the way God uses Significant Church Network in my life. I love reading each of your experiences and encouragement each week! It builds my faith to believe for what God can do in and through me as well.
At this crazy-busy yet beautiful season, my prayer is that we as women in ministry will always continue to be led by our Good Shepherd. He’s more than just a Savior, He’s in it with us for the long haul!
With love and admiration for each of you, have a very Merry Christmas!
Shannon Longoria
Faith Family Church, Victoria, TX