Devotionals

How we deal with problems is key in our Christian lives. In this world, Jesus tells us, you WILL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I (Jesus) have OVERCOME THE WORLD.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." (2 Corinthians 4:8-10 KJV) It is difficult to understand how strength and blessing can come from brokenness but they do. The Bible tells us that although we may feel like trials are coming at us at every side we won't be crushed. Although we don't understand why, we can understand that God is with us and will help us so we do not need to feel desperate about the situation. Although we may be persecuted, God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. We may feel pretty beaten up but we will not be destroyed. Paul faced discouragement and many hardships but he knew God was in control and he placed his hope and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul believed that the trials in his life were for a purpose. "But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us." (2 Corinthians 1:9-10 KJV) Trials and hardship are tools in God's hands and He is reshaping, refining and refocusing our life so we can reflect the life of Christ to the world. Paul fought with emotional and physical difficulties. "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 KJV) It is during times of trials and hardships that we learn to rely upon God's help and God's powerful grace is sufficient in all our weaknesses. We may feel like we are coming apart at the seams but when we give our fear and worry to Jesus, then something amazing will happen. Not only is His grace sufficient but we will also learn to be content as Paul had learned. "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:12-13 KJV) It really is no secret. God will provide whatever we need in all situations. We just need to learn to trust Him and believe He will do what He says He will do.