God’s Megaphone

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

The final movement of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is arguably one of the most famous songs ever written. However, when it debuted in 1824, “Ode to Joy” received hostile reviews by the press stating that the composer’s deafness and old age had led him astray with its lengthy and complicated movements. It is paradoxical that Beethoven thought he had made a mistake in composing it.
Painful moments in our lives can either deter us from achieving our dreams or serve as a catalyst for change and growth. In Beethoven’s case, pain became one of his greatest mentors of personal achievement. The lessons we learn as a result of going through difficult situations can significantly affect the course of our lives. So, why do most people fear pain or go to great lengths to avoid it?
In Deuteronomy 8, we come upon Moses speaking to the people of Israel, reviewing their 40-year history in the desert due to their disobedience, and reminding them to obey the commands of the Lord as they entered the Promised Land. He knew the Israelites couldn’t move forward into their God-given destiny unless they first stopped and remembered some of the hard lessons God had taught them during those painful years. Sometimes, God has to take us through long detours as well to teach us and prepare us for decisions we weren’t willing to make the first time around.
The lessons we learn in pain, but forgotten in success, will circle back around to teach us again if we’re not careful. Oftentimes, when life is good and things are going smoothly for us, the past lessons we learned fade and we quickly revert to our old patterns and lifestyle. Remember that it is God who carried you, delivered you, rescued you, and patiently loved you during those painful seasons.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis

Gain a clear picture of the purpose and potential of pain when you click the link below.

Listen to the sermon series: Refresh You Memory

Part 1 Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

Today marks the start of a new school semester at Moody Bible Institute! Welcoming back a full student body in-person is an answer to prayer for our leadership who has been busily planning and preparing for this day all summer. Would you join us in prayer for the special Convocation which will take place tomorrow in Torrey-Gray auditorium? This is sure to be a worshipful experience for all of us who have grateful hearts for how God has been faithful to the Moody Bible Institute all these years. I love serving here as Moody’s 10th President and personally welcoming these students from around the world!