Good morning. This is a bit of a tough subject for today’s thought, but here we go…
What is God thinking when He sees us in a difficult, maybe even (for us at least) impossible situation? What is He up to when our lifeboat springs a leak? What’s His mindset when a doctor gives the patient terrible news? What is His impression when the money runs out before the bills are all paid? What is His take on our heart and mind when it feels as though our last hope has set like the sun at the end of the day?
Is God sleeping? No, He neither sleeps or naps (Psalm 121:4). Is He shaking His head in derision, thinking that we are only getting what we deserve? No, we are commanded to lay all of our troubles and burdens on Him, for He loves us (1 Peter 5:7). Does He shrug His shoulders and say, “Sorry, I’m fresh out of blessings”? No, His love endures forever, and His supply never runs dry (Psalm 136:26).
In his 2nd letter to the Corinthians the apostle Paul reflected on the difficulties of life, and he endeavored to serve the Lord no matter what hardships he needed to endure. Paul describes the challenges, and then He shares his reason for hope as he found sufficient strength in the Lord.
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 2 Corinthians 1:8
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor. 4:8-9
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hungry. 2 Cor. 6:4-5
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10
His situation was often dire, beyond what could be endured. But Paul and his companions did endure. Not by claiming their own strength but by claiming the strength of the Lord. Our God is absolutely faithful, and His love endures forever, always. Call upon Him. Rely upon Him. Claim the authority and power that is yours in the Name of Jesus Christ.
In all things, give thanks. Yes, that too is commanded (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When we consider the faithfulness of our Lord, thanksgiving is absolutely warranted.
Vern