Posts Tagged ‘ Struggles ’
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32, ESV
We all go through struggles and hard times, so let’s treat each other the way our Savior did: humbly and mercifully, with grace and sacrificial love.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4, ESV
It is because of sin – individually and collectively – that we face hard times. Our God has given us His peace and a firm hope to endure and overcome through the cross of Christ.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10, ESV
When our focus is on God, even the sufferings of this world will seem insignificant as we remember His suffering for us and the promise of renewal and restoration in the next life.
The people did not turn to him who struck them, nor inquire of the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 9:13, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
We do horrible things to each other and against God.
We don’t like to believe that God punishes people, either. However, the Old Testament shows how often Israel disobeyed God, and God allowed and even sent disasters and armies to correct them and draw them back to Himself.
But we like to think we know better, so we refuse to go to Him or even blame Him for everything wrong in this life.
How could He allow such bad things to happen? How could a good God let evil happen to good people?
But He has told us that none of us are truly good, that we don’t seek our Maker.
He sends and allows because He has given us the choice to ignore, hate, and refuse Him.
Yes, God sends things that hurt but it to draw us in, and He also sends Himself to hold us.
May we seek the Lord who draws us in.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Psalm 34:19, ESV
We like to think we can handle all life throws at us, but often the world mistreats the people doing what is right. Thankfully, our God and Savior warned us, prepares us, and redeems us, giving us hope for eternal life with Him, finally free from pain and worry.
But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.
Psalm 59:16, ESV
God can handle anything in His sovereignty over everything. We can trust Him, whether this life going well or we are at our wits’ end from fear, frustration, or pain.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
1 Peter 5:10, ESV
What peace and joy we can find in our daily lives and when facing the problems of life knowing that our God has chosen us and will bring us to His side in eternity.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, ESV
Life may not go as we have planned, so we remember to seek God in prayer, trust Him in times of trouble and persecution, and live in the hope of Christ’s imminent return.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11, ESV
God will allow and even send trials our way to strengthen us, make us more Christ-like, and to be a light to others who suffer through trials.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28â€-‬29, ESV
This world is full of concerns, obligations, and worries, but our God is sovereign and mighty.
Trust in Him and His Word.
a simple man of God 