TODAY IN HIS WORD COMES FROM
(2
Cor. 1:8-9 NCV)
Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about
the trouble we suffered in Asia. We had great burdens there
that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope
of living. Truly, in our own hearts, we believed we would die. But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.
THOUGHT TO PONDER:
Sometimes the Lord allows us to go through many trials, only to end up at the "end of our rope." He waits for us to do all that we can, and when we have exhausted ourselves in trying to do it our way, He leans down and says, "I have a better way."
TODAY'S INSIGHT INTO HIS WORD:
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul describes himself and his companions facing such hardships and tribulations that they, at one point, feared for their lives. They reached a point where the only thing left to look at was death. They had no hope left of surviving their circumstances. And the interesting thing is, God let it get that dire. Before the Lord reached down to help them, He allowed them to reach a point where they themselves could do no more. But why would God wait that long? Why did they have to get to the very brink of "death" before He stepped in? Paul sums it up, "But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God." The Lord let them go as far as they could, and then He stepped in. But this taught them that God alone is trustworthy—not man. It was a lesson for them; however, God allowed it to happen to them so that WE could learn as well.
Sometimes the hardships we go through are not always about us. Sometimes God allows us to go through extreme difficulties so that He can teach us something. But in the bigger picture, it always seems to help someone else! Consider this:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings that we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation (2 Cor. 1:3-7 NKJV).
The other interesting thing is this— it did NOT matter what the situation looked like. To Paul and his companions, it looked like death. It looked like the mission they were on was over. But my friend, nothing is over until GOD says it's over!
My friend, sometimes when God calls us to do something, He allows challenges and hardships to come because they teach us things we wouldn't learn otherwise. The problem is that when the trials hit, we tend to figure out a way through them on our own. Our mindset is most often: "Well, God gave me this to do… so I am going to do it." And quietly under our breath, we add, "My way."
My friend, when we do that, God steps aside and holds out His hand as if to say, "Okay, go ahead." And we, being the humans that we are, go at it headfirst to try and figure out HOW on our own, and God allows us to. It would be so much easier if He didn't, but then we would never learn. We would also miss out on seeing some amazing ways God can move.
An example I would like to give you is about my children. As they grew up, the boys always just wanted a few pointers from me, then they would run off and "go for it." Why? Because they tried to figure things out for themselves, they wanted to see how things worked. Now being older and "been there, done that," I could have saved them a lot of trouble. But the problem was (and tends to be) that they're not ready to listen. They are so eager to "face the challenge" that they sometimes run headfirst into it. And sometimes, I have to let them. However, I do have to mention that at times, if I know that letting them get ahead of themselves would be dangerous or harmful, I will put a stop to it… But there are times, as parents, when we have to let them try.
I will admit that at times they surprise me and go further than I thought they would. However, there comes a point when they have done all they can and now need help. My friend, we as God's children get to that point, too. We go until we can't go any further, and then we face what seems like an end: nothing left. My friend, every single time we get to the bottom of what "we can do", we will always hear God's whisper, "You know I can help." My friend, God's way is ALWAYS better. Let's you and I learn from Paul's letter. Let's not wait, you and I, until there is no hope left… but instead, wait for God's direction before heading out.
My friend, before you start tackling your next project, the Lord gives you: take some time and ask God, "HOW, and what would you have me do FIRST?" You may find that He already has it all worked out. He just needs you to move with Him so that you can be His hands and feet. What a thought, huh?
PRAYING IN FAITH:
Father God, thank You that You continually remain ever watchful of us, Your children. Thank You for Your Grace. You give us when we rush out to do things in our own way and make mistakes. Lord, thank You that You never give up on us and remain patient with us. Thank you for allowing us to "do things over" when we need to.
Lord, I pray for this reader today. Lord, I pray that You will show them that nothing is over unless You say it's over. Lord, I pray that You will show them that when Your time has come, You can resurrect and give new life to what appears to be dead. Lord, I praise You as the almighty God, and that You are faithful and true. Lord, nothing is too hard for You. Thank You that we can hold firm to You.
In Christ Jesus' name, amen.
Kassie
~ My friend, keep faith in God as He shows you HIS way, and remember,
Even when it seems crazy, it is still always better.
>> Print this devotional: A Better Way
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