2 Corinthians 4:16-18, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comprehension, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
You know how it is when you are going through a trial, and you feel that it is going to last forever. You are stuck in the muck of the dilemma of the affliction of the consequence. Oz Hillman, who speaks and writes a daily devotional for Kingdom business leaders called “Today God Is First,” has termed this as having “a Joseph calling upon your life.” Joseph was 17 when his brothers threw him into a pit and then sold him to the Ismaelites, as a slave, who took him to Egypt. Then later Joseph was falsely accused of exploiting Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. But the LORD was with Joseph in each crisis. Genesis 39:23b states, “. . . because the LORD was with him. And whatever he did, the LORD made it succeed.” It wasn’t until Joseph was 30 years old that he rose to power as governor. Joseph’s preparation in the pit and in prison was used as the training ground for the perspective of God’s purpose and calling upon his life. It required the benefits of solitude and silence. Joseph had a forced Biblical retreat in that cell of confinement. His suffering time was necessary for him to learn what God needed to teach him as a future leader, chosen by God. In the end, Pharaoh recognized Joseph was a man “in whom is the Spirit of God (Gen. 41:48).”
It is always easier to quit and give up when conflicts occur in our relationships at work or with family. I look at Paul as an example of someone who relied on God and the Holy Spirit’s strength (Ephe. 3:16) when persecution wore him down because he believed that the trial would allow the power of God to be revealed.
Be aware that whenever you are fatigued, feeling overwhelmed, and are falling apart, that is when Satan will try to catch you unaware of his temptations in questioning and doubting your worth. Sometimes it comes in the form of criticism, pain, conflicts, and when you require more sleep. Does that ring a bell?
Paul quoted Psalm 116:10 in verse 13, “I speak that which I believe – that the Lord will raise us up, that all things will work out for his glory.” This same concept is in Hebrews 13:5&6, “. . . for he hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” I have to speak out loud to myself these words of truth that God is in control when I feel everything about me is out of control. God loves me and knows my name; therefore, He will never leave me and will work it out for His glory! It is a work that is not temporal, but for eternity and is doing some heavy work on me. Is God doing some heavy work on you right now?
How is God shining His light on you so others can see the reality of your faith?
Kind words, acts of kindness, giving wise advice are ways the Holy Spirit can shine His light through you to others. Those are simple, every day actions you can do in reflecting God’s mercy and grace in your own life.
Don’t quit. When you feel like you are at the end of your rope, you are not at the end of your hope. You have the power of God, the treasure of His Holy Spirit, living inside of you, and no one can take that away!
One final thought, from Chuck Swindoll, a quote from his book, “A Man Of Grit And Grace, Paul” – “God prepares us during times when the whole world seems to be going on without us. He patiently deliberately, steadily, molds us in the shadows, so that we might be properly prepared for later years when He chooses to use us in the spotlight.”
Be strong. Don’t give up and don’t quit. Pray for God to make you of benefit in the calling He has on your life and to astound you with His grace, power, and might.
Listen to For King & Country’s song on YouTube, Shoulders – Lyrics On Screen.
Angela NEAL
Angela, I was notified there was a comment but I didn’t see one or couldn’t find it. When I get to Heaven I want to find Paul and ask him how he maintained contentment despite his restrictive circumstances! God is good and my God is the living God, Elohim Chayim!