Dave’s Monday Blast – June 10, 2024
Blasie Pascal was correct. The Christian life is the only one worth living; it is the “safe bet, the smart wager” for now and for eternity. However, we would all agree that at times it isn’t easy. But as children of the Most High God, in the midst of the good and bad times we take comfort and courage from the promises from the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort…“(2 Corinthians 1:3).
Even for those mature in their faith, at some point, we can be overwhelmed by bad news, worldly sorrows, or distressing circumstances. Pastor Charles Stanley comments: “In those moments we can convince ourselves that our troubles are bigger than our God. However, it is in those moments that INTENTIONAL men of God CHOOSE to lean into our heavenly Father (enduringly patient and kind) who sees our struggles. He will never leave us to cope on our own. Instead, He comforts us and strengthens us through the Holy Spirit.”
If you are in need of encouragement this day, or during this particular season, meditate upon (Romans 15:4 & 5): “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus.”
Pastor Stanley comments: “Perseverance is the determination to keep going and not give up.” If you’ll look carefully at v. 5 what do you see? It’s God Himself who gives us that determination. Doesn’t that give you hope today? Over the next couple of weeks I want to look at how He does this.
In John 14:27 we discover that the Lord gives to us “…not as the world gives…” The peace of God is mysterious, remarkable, and effective. It holds us together in a way that nothing else can.
