I am sure you have gone through your own share of trying and challenging times. It can be overwhelming. It can be depressing. How do we find hope when things are so intense or disappointing?
We probably agree that turning to God is best for everyone concerned. God gives plenty of principles that can set us free from all kinds of troubles and even bondage. His words don’t necessarily make pain or difficult emotions go away. We can, however, find freedom in His powerful Word. And comfort and hope as well. God brings light into our world every day.
Over these last months we have offered up the question why many times. We have been reminded that Jesus leads us in the way of suffering by His example. He understands. And His strength is perfected in our weakness.
As we hold to what is true we are reminded:
“If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought.” – 1 Peter 3:13-14
This encourages us to walk toward our trials in three ways – each with the expectation of victory in Jesus. Perhaps you will find this helpful as you process your own personal challenges.
First, we are doing our best to FOCUS.
“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:2-3 Lack of perspective contributes distraction, clouding our view of where we know we should be headed. God is the ultimate specialist in capturing the mind. We must ask Him to do just that. This is not selfish – it is key to spiritual survival.
Next, we are giving careful attention to FORGIVENESS.
“Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” – Romans 12:21 (Romans 12:14-21 is worth a read here) We are intent on forgiving others, and God continues to knock over significant barriers to our freedom in this. If we can avoid roots of bitterness, we know we will live free.
Finally – we are devoting attention to our FAMILY. We are excited to make them priority one right now. We have many things to pray for and pray through – and Burnadette and I are so grateful to be of one mind in this.
We are also being drawn/driven toward more focused intercession for the things which seem out of control. Our leaders, our circumstances, post-covid fallout, culture blindness, and the fear-mongering in our media are just a few. Each week we update the PRAY section in the navbar. You may find it an additional way to connect in hope.
Staying focused seems to be what is best for us right now. Anesthetizing with media, gratifying distractions, or denial about our challenges are not helpful to ourselves or our neighbors. We are choosing to meet the evil one head on.
Thanks for your prayers – you are in ours.
Dave & Burnadette