When the Faithful Grow Weary

October 13, 2016

What do we do when we as people of faith grow tired and weary, when we are quite literally inundated and worn down mentally, physically, and spiritually?

Well in times such as these we have two simple choices:

1)  Allow our anxiety and frustration to kill, steal, and destroy our lives – as well as everyone and everything around us in the process….

– OR –

2)   Allow The Word of God to comfort, heal, counsel, and protect us as the Holy Spirit directs our path through difficult and challenging  situations.

Of course this may sound like a shallow cliché to some, and taste like a bitter spoonful of medicine to others as life is currently blessing us with a moment of pause that reminds that we are indeed in a valley, and that the shadow of death surrounds us.  In fact as thousands of us are struggling to pick up the pieces following Hurricane Matthew many of us  may feel like: “God I’m praying, I’m working hard for You, I’m holding on in the midst of the storm…I trust You and I love You…Still Father, I’m pleading…..Can I get a break over here!”

Well ironically we learn in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 that Paul may have felt exactly the same way.  But in the midst of the flood waters and rain that inundated his life Paul found Peace by accepting an often times inconvenient Truth that we must also learn to embrace.  He learned that sometimes God’s answer to our prayers is no, and that sometimes the things we call obstacles, pain and weakness…God calls grace!

And while we must inevitably prepare for the many difficult days and nights that lie ahead  long after the flood waters recede and the news media is gone, isn’t it good to know that in 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 God reminds us that ” We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

So let’s stay encouraged family and remember that God’s grace is exactly what we need!   His grace is sufficient and an essential element in our lives, even if at times it feels like a thorn in our flesh.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father we recognize and accept that You have our very lives in Your Hands. Thank You for giving us a season of growth that will help us to better understand this most basic and essential Truth.  Thank you for reminding us that while we have been awakened by devastation and tragedy in our region over the last several days, prior to our losses there have been millions of people who have experienced and continue to experience loss all over the world each day.  Lord help us to recognize that the hands on training that we are receiving from You today is preparing to do the work that you have called is to do tomorrow.  Please give us the Faith to boast in our weakness, embrace Your grace, and to remember that although we as humans are weak…You are always strong!  Amen.

Relevant Study:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
2 Corinthians 4
Philippians 4
Psalms 23
Matthew 6:19-33

Key Understanding:
Embrace God’s grace

Key Words:
Sufficient – enough; adequate for the process or purpose.

Purpose – : the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something.

Essential – absolutely necessary;  important

Have a Blessed Day!  🙂