Yesterday and today could best be described as “2 steps backward.” Actually, that’s a bit of an exaggeration . . . sort of … maybe, . . . but now that my “3 things” have happened, I can let out a sigh of relief! Actually, I don’t really believe in that “3 things” rule even though things do tend to happen in 3s.
How do you feel when disappointment, complaining, and bad news come your way?
God won’t give us more than we can endure.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
What is the temptation in disappointment, complaining, and bad news? How about the temptation to quit? It would be easier to walk away than to stick with what God has called us to do!
Sometimes we must be able to handle current things well before we can move on to more interesting adventures.
The question God has had for me over the past year or perhaps a couple of years is, “Are you sure?” God has placed a journey on my heart. The journey is full of service for Him. The question, “Are you sure?” is not a question that an all-knowing God needs me to answer for Him. It’s just a question for me to answer for myself. It will require a lot of commitment and dedication.
God calls us all to such a journey. Any walk with God requires commitment and dedication. The question for you is, “Are you sure?” Are you sure that you want to serve in the way that you have asked to serve? Are you sure that you are committed enough to stand in the face of challenges? Are you sure that you have the dedication to see it to the end?
I keep saying, “Yes.” That’s where my heart is anyway. Perhaps the truth is “No!”
Remember when Paul asked thrice for that thorn in the flesh to be removed? He did not get what he wanted, but he got what he needed.
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. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I suspect that without Jesus, none of us have the commitment and the dedication to do what we’ve been called to do. God’s grace is sufficient for me.
May God’s grace be sufficient for you! May the power of Christ rest upon you as you do what you have been called to do for Him.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to consider what you have been called to do for the Lord. How much discouragement would it take to stop you? Know that challenges will stand before you. Remember, the Lord’s grace is sufficient for you. Don’t quit. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. When you are weak, then you are strong. God is forever faithful.