Down but not out !

So how are things going with you lately? Are you stressed? Weary? Discouraged?  I do not believe it is necessarily wrong to be any of these, that is, unless you stay there.  Why? Because of the God we serve !!   As you read of Paul, Job, and others they all went through difficult times but what helped them through these was learning of and focusing on the Lord.   The apostles were in disarray after Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion but what began to lift their spirits was the knowledge that He was indeed alive. To put it as the angel did at the garden tomb, “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.” (Mt.28:6).

Sometimes life gets so trying, we’re not sure what to do, what God is trying to teach us through a trial and we react and we focus so much on the hardship we have forgotten to look at the Master !   Hebrews 12:1-2 has an excellent admonition for us at such times: “. . .let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus. . . ” .    Check this, lay aside what is weighing you down (cast it on Him who cares for YOU, 1 Pt.5:7) instead of trying to carry it by yourself (maybe He has put you here to teach you to stop being so self-sufficient). Why not pray and trust where you know you should when tempted to fixate on the matter? Don’t try to assume God’s place, you have enough on your plate.   Sometimes it’s a matter of sinful choices that has landed us in a place of hardship, renounce the sin and exchange it for right practices.

Then, keep at what is right for in due season you shall reap if you faint not (Gal.6:9), This is God’s solemn promise to YOU !  And last, just as the Lord did at Calvary, stay focused on (not the trial) but the triumph God will give in the end !   Life can be rough here but you have a remarkable Savior Who is desirous to help you through such times.  Get into the Word, read it thoughtfully and prayerfully. Pour your heart out to Him in worship and watch Him guide you through rough waters to a tranquil and triumphant place !!