Category: Devotions

Surrounded by Adversity

 

 "Troubles are round us on every side, but we are not shut in; things are hard for us, but we see a way out of them; We are cruelly attacked, but not without hope; we are made low, but we are not without help;"  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 

Isn't it great how one scripture can have so many applications?  Lol anyway, don't get frustrated with me for beating the same horse, but quite frankly, people of God suffer!  We face all kinds of troubles and stress, pain and strife, problems and troubles, and every other name you have for them.  We lose jobs, houses, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, cousins, other relatives, our minds, money, everything!  I don't know about you, but if I really sat down and counted, I'm sure there is something that happens to bother me everyday.  But the difference is, I do not dwell on it; because I know God's reward.  Yes yes yes there are some DAYS, I mean, SOME DAYS, that I would pray and pray and pray that God change it in an instant.  But the power is in the Word, and having mountain-moving faith in His promises.(Luke 17:6) 

 

1 Peter 4:13 says "Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."  Really!  This is not something that you can often do alone.  In the midst of all my suffering, I cried out to God many many times.  Finally, I have a peace that I cannot explain.  He promises to deliver us!(2 Timothy 4:18,   I know that God is going to reveal His glory at the end of all of this.  Now I'm not going to ask for more, lol, because who would?  But I will ask that in spite, God give me the strength of Christ to sustain me, His grace and favor to maintain me, and that I stand still in the midst.  In these times you must just trust God to get you through it!

 

"Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."  1 Peter 2:21

Steadfast in God's Promises

 

"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness."  2 Peter 3:13

 

I'm not sure how many of us know what is entitled to us as Christians through Christ and as Children of God, but I wanted to share some scriptural promises with you. 

 

One that I hold most dear, and you should to is that God promises to supply our need. (Philippians 4:19).  Even when things seem almost insurmountable for me, I hold true to this scripture because looking back, God has gotten me through these same types of circumstances before.

 

God tells us that His grace is sufficient for us in our weakness, and that we can do all things through His son Jesus who gives us strength.  Even when we are too proud to call on Him or give the problems to Him, God's grace is there for us!  (2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13)

 

God promises that when difficulties get too hard, that He will do many things: He will provide us a way of escape, He will carry the burdens for us, and He will deliver us from evil!  So trust and know that your prayers are heard and they work!(1 Corinthians 10:13, Matthew 11:28, 2 Timothy 4:18)

 

God promises us that we will live and not die.  All redeemed shall only fall asleep and be lifted from the curse of death.  (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Psalm 118:17)

 

Probably the most important of these is salvation and everlasting life!  Jesus died for us; He did to redeem us from sin and the curse of the law.  He died to bring us into the fold and extend salvation to those of us not covered.  (John 3:16, Romans 10:9, Acts 2:38)

 

Good night and walk in these promises!

 

'Certainly, Christ made God's many promises come true. For that reason, because of our message, people also honor God by saying, "Amen!"'  2 Corinthians 1:20(GWT)