faith – Page 10 – Be Still…

2 Corinthians 4:13-18 – Look Past Your Troubles

What a beautiful passage of hope. This is one that we should read over and over again when we are feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances. What kind of faith do you have? Finish this sentence: “I believe in God, so I ______.” You may recognize that from our text today. Paul, like the psalmist believed in God so he “spoke.” When we put our faith and trust in God, we have so much more power to work with. I believe in God so I wrote a book would be one thing I could say.

We’re only given so much time on earth to do what we are called to do. This text calls it right out. Our bodies are dying. But we don’t need to live like we’re dying. Our spirits are being “renewed every day.” How do you refresh yourself? Spending time in God’s word, in prayer, and seeking his will for your life should give you plenty of refreshment. That’s why it’s so important to not just “go through the motions.” Don’t put spending time with God as just another “to-do list” item. Doesn’t God deserve your best?

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 – Let Your Light Shine

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

How are you serving God? Maybe you’re involved heavily in a church and are feeling overwhelmed wishing you could just say “no” when asked to serve. (I am very familiar with that scenario!) Maybe you’re tired and unsure how God wants to use you in this season of your life. Maybe you’re a little angry with God because you see other believers acting in ways that are not in alignment with what you believe God intends and don’t want to serve. In any case, Paul says, “never give up.”

There are a lot of scary things going on in the world today. I, for one, believe this is a time to rely on God more than ever. It is an opportunity for us who believe and trust to be more vocal than ever. We can help people calm their fear, find hope, and feel secure in the future. There was an interesting passage in today’s reading that resonated truth to me. “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe.” How true is that? The evil one is alive and well and causing havoc in the hearts of God’s people and especially the unbelievers.

Proverbs 24:1-16 – Be Strong When You Feel Weak

Read Proverbs 24:1-16

Have you ever failed at something you were good at? I think of gymnasts who train and train and train some more. Then at a meet, with medals on the line something goes wrong and their move just doesn’t happen they way they’ve always executed it. I had an experience just this week during an interview for a podcast appearance. I froze. The words weren’t there. I know my material, but you’d never know it. I was crushed.

So, you can imagine the counsel today spoke to me in a big way. Verse 10 says, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” I need to be strong and not let this set back get in my way. You have probably had similar situations. You just want to curl up and hide. But failure will happen. We will stumble. The Christian life is not a road without bumps. Great men and women do not quit. They overcome.

Proverbs 3:1-8 – Trust in the Lord

Read Proverbs 3:1-8

When I think of Proverbs, I always think of Chapter 3, verses 5 and 6. I have clung to this truth many times in my life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Brilliant. It’s a verse I should plaster all over the house, including my morning affirmations. My other life verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is equally powerful to me.

Do you have your own favorite Bible passages that have given you support, hope, encouragement, solace over the years?

1 John 5:13-21 – What Do You Know?

Read 1 John 5:13-21

John points out several truths that we should know as he concludes this book. The first is a promise to behold and identifies why he wrote this book he in the first place. He says, “I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” As believers of Jesus as the Son of God, we have eternal life. It’s a promise of a life devoted to Jesus that never ends.

What is your response to that truth? How does it make you feel? Take some time to just let that one promise resonate with your soul. Eternal life with Jesus. For me, that’s a feeling of peace and security.