Dwell – Day 5
Are you feeling anxious? Do you spend your days worrying because you are faced with overwhelming uncertainty in your circumstances? Perhaps you are trying to rebuild your life after a failed marriage, or you have a child that suffers with mental illness and has attempted to take their life. Maybe you recently received the heart-wrenching news that your spouse has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, and you don’t know what the future holds. Difficult circumstances like these can leave you feeling stunned, anxious, numb, or shouting in anger, “Why me Lord?”
If you are here, you are not alone. I, too, have been where you are. I have been so deep in that pit that all that was left to do was to look up! It has been a long journey — one that I am still on today. However, I stand strong before you and tell you that there is hope.
1 Peter 5:10
After your season of suffering, God in all His grace will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Many years ago, God revealed this verse to me after a very difficult period in my life. I went through a devastating divorce, battled deep depression, and experienced a very difficult period of suffering. However, God delivered me through His grace and mercy. Studying His word and following daily devotions provided me with a strong foundation on which to rebuild my life. God brought me faith-filled friends to walk alongside me and encourage me. He gave me opportunities to help and serve others. Once my focus shifted outward, I saw God in action and lives being changed. These experiences restored me, strengthened my faith, and developed my endurance. It was through these trials that He established who I am in Christ.
Hebrews 10:36
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Difficult circumstances transform us, strengthen our faith, change our perspective, and define our purpose. They provide us with opportunities to do God’s will and model our faith for others. The trials in our lives become our testimony, allowing us to share our experiences to help others.
Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given
us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.
When troubles arise — and they most definitely will — take heart and know that it will end well. The enemy wants you to worry. However, in 1 Peter 5:7, God says that we should cast all our worries upon Him — not just some of our worries, but All of them. A difficulty on its own may not make sense; however, when it all comes together, one day it will. My hope is firm in Christ, and I trust that He is working all things together for my
good.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Guided Prayer
Because of Jesus, I live a life filled with hope and purpose. I know that all things I face in this life have a purpose and will bring glory to God. I might not know why or understand what that purpose may be this side of heaven. However, God, You know, and I trust You. You are all-knowing and all-seeing. You know the path that lies before me, and You have given me Your Holy Spirit to walk beside me, to guide me, and to strengthen me. God, You are sovereign, You are good, You are just and You love me. I pray these truths in Jesus’ name. Amen.