This is one of my favorite verses from the Bible. When I
read or hear it, it reminds me that faith is a mysterious mixture of hope and
love. I place my hope in Christ because He loves me. I love the God of my heart
because He sustains my hope. This is what I experience as faith. This is what I
know to be personally true for me.
Life isn't fair and sometimes we struggle through each
day. We all have troubles and disappointments in our lives. We all experience times
of sadness and loss. We all have difficulties to overcome and problems to
solve. Today’s Bible verse doesn't fix our issues or cure our ills, but it does
enable us to cope, to endure, and to eventually get through whatever we are
facing.
Like you, I muddle through each day as best as I possibly
can. I take what comes and try to maintain a course that will steer me through
whatever confronts me. The source of my strength comes from God, and my ability
to deal with my problems is empowered by Christ. Without Him, I am both
hopeless and helpless. With Him, I am hopeful and strong.
Whatever you are personally going through at this time,
please know this: God gives strength to the weak and hope to the helpless. You
are not alone and you are loved. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in
the Lord.
Questions
for personal reflection
What problems am I currently facing? Am I relying upon
God for the strength I need? Am I hoping for His support and guidance?
Prayer: Lord
Jesus, You once said that each day has enough trouble of its own, in order to
remind us not to worry about tomorrow. Be with us today and guide all of our
responses and decisions. Let us know of Your comforting and abiding presence in
our lives. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask
questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
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