We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real powers comes for God and not from us. We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.
II Corinthians 4:7-9
There was a time in my life where I would do anything to avoid suffering of any kind. This is a natural response to suffering. One day I read a scripture that told me I need to go through suffering to grow and mature in Christ. Wow, I was a little put off by this information. Fortunately, God showed me through His Word the importance of suffering, and He assured me that He would be with me through everything I went through.
But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5
When we go through tough times, we learn how to endure. After we have endured, we are able to build character. This hope will never disappoint us and lead us to a stronger, closer relationship with God. Every time I go through a tough situation and get through it, I gain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. This is helpful when someone comes along and says they are going through a similar situation. In these instances, I can share what I have been through.
With all your heart
You must trust the Lord
And not your own judgment.
Always let Him lead you,
And He will clear the road
For you to follow.
Don't ever think that you
Are wise enough,
But respect the Lord
And stay away from evil.
This will make you healthy,
And you will feel strong.
Proverbs 3:5-8
There are times where I do not understand God's ways, but I now they are higher than mine. He has a plan for all of us. First, we need to trust God with that plan. Second, we have to give God all our problems, and we need to trust that God will see us through the problems. He will never leave us in our problems, but we need to go through the problems to get to the destination God has planned for us.
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
This last year I have struggled quite a bit, but I know that God is taking me to new places. He is faithful and I am learning to completely lean on God and know that He will get me through every struggle. Once I have gone through the struggle, I will be better off. In the struggle, I am learning to delight myself in the Lord. As I delight myself in Him, I have realized that my desire is to draw closer to God and for Him to do His Will in my life.
This Weeks Challenge
Don't run from struggles. Go through the struggle with God, and He will get you to the destination He has prepared for you. Delight yourself in Him as He gets you through the struggle. The journey will not take as long if you delight yourself in Him. Allow Him to carry you through the rough part of the journey. Delight in Him by daily devotions and building an intimate relationship with Him.