Overcoming Difficulty

Overcoming Difficulty

Genesis 20: And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. ² Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.

 

³ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”

 

⁴ But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? ⁵ Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.”

 

⁶ And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. ⁷ Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

 

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Seeing Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed was probably too much for Abraham to bear. He did not know if Lot was alive or dead. All he knew was the area seemed cursed. He may have remembered GOD’s promise that the territory that was promised was far greater than originally imagined. He, Sarah and all of their employees left the area that GOD had appeared.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham had already gone north to Egypt and east from the land of the Chaldeans, so this time he went south.
• Sarah was so beautiful, that at almost ninety, Kings wanted her.
• Abraham told a half truth to the local king because he saw the practices of other kings and feared the worst would happen.

 

Imagine hearing GOD say “I will make you a great nation” and “Go from your father’s house to a place I will show you” but experiencing difficulty. Abraham’s wife was almost kidnapped in Egypt and when they returned to the land GOD showed him, it was too small. Lot left and got kidnapped. Abraham had to rescue him. Then the place that he rescued got destroyed by GOD.

 

Things were not looking like a promise. But Abraham believed. He left the land after seeing difficult times. Sarah had faith and traveled with him. Abraham told a half truth about his wife, causing her to almost be kidnapped again. GOD intervened.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Abraham, Sarah and Abimelech’s actions and conversations?
• Has GOD given you a vision and you have faced difficulty after difficulty?
• Can you place your trust in the LORD, knowing that each difficulty is accounted for in HIS plan to prosper you?

Blessed Up Plan

Blessed Up Plan

Genesis 16: ⁷ Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. ⁸ And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

 

She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.”

 

⁹ The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” ¹⁰ Then the Angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.” ¹¹ And the Angel of the Lord said to her:

 

“Behold, you are with child,
And you shall bear a son.
You shall call his name Ishmael,
Because the Lord has heard your affliction.
¹² He shall be a wild man;
His hand shall be against every man,
And every man’s hand against him.
And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

 

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Hagar fled into the wilderness from Sarai. Abram heard from the LORD that he would have countless descendants. Sarai was barren and made Abram marry her maid Hagar so she would confiscate her child. But she got jealous and began to abuse Hagar.  Having nowhere to go, Hagar sat by a spring.

 

JESUS came to her and asked her questions HE knew the answers to. She did not tell HIM the full story, rather an abbreviated version. HE told her to go back. HE then said HE would make her have countless descendants.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS knew the mess Sarai made and blessed the plan anyway.
• JESUS saw Hagar, who never bowed to HIM before, and came to her because she was part of a larger plan.
• JESUS sent her back to a hostile place, but gave her a new spark of life, knowing she would be the mother of a great multitude of people.

 

What a messed-up plan. Sarai introduced dysfunction that would remain for years. Hagar may have feared for her life. BUT GOD told her HIS plan of protection. She could then, go back and face the harsh treatment. Despite the trouble, Hagar would become the mother of countless people.

 

Challenge

• Why does JESUS tell Moses about HIS conversation with Hagar?
• Have you ever been in a difficult situation and wanted to escape?
• Even if it is difficult, will you continue on the journey with JESUS as your teacher and guide?

Plans After the Problem

Plans After the Problem

Revelation 14: ¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Happy are those who from now on die in the service of the Lord!”

 

“Yes indeed!” answers the Spirit. “They will enjoy rest from their hard work, because the results of their service go with them.”

 

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Not knowing I could goof off, I kept working. I dumped ashtrays, wiped up spilled drinks, sprayed and arranged the bowling shoes and put away the bowling balls. I looked around and realized I was doing all the work and the other floor porters were outside, enjoying themselves.

 

• I wondered why I was working so hard when “everyone else” was having fun.
• I thought about not doing my job because “everyone else” was not doing theirs.
• I kept doing my job and was met with uncomfortable conversations like “You are making us look bad”, so I felt bad.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, heard a supernatural conversation. One voice told him to write down a blessing that was aimed at those who would die in service of the LORD. This statement would apply to those who were persecuted during the tribulation of GOD. The response to the statement to “Write this” was “Yes indeed!” by the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

My Observations:

• Enjoyment was the plan after their death
• GOD sees hard work that is done in service of the LORD.
• Results of service of the LORD will be in the form of people who were the benefactors of the service.

 

Service of the LORD can seem lonely at times. I mean, if GOD sends you to a place that does not value HIM or any servant HE sends, it can seem lonely being the sent servant. BUT GOD sees every ounce of service done “of the LORD.”

 

In spite of how things may seem, “keep going” says GOD. HE has plans for this life and afterwards. Death has no power over those who reverence the LORD. Every word spoken for HIM and about HIM is accounted for. Every deed done in service of HIM will be blessed.

 

Challenge

• What is the mood of the conversation the writer records?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on the LORD?
• Will you persevere and remain faithful to the LORD even when it gets difficult or it may “seem” like you are the only one serving in an area?

Safely Through

Safely Through

Revelation 7: ¹³ One of the elders asked me, “Who are these people dressed in white robes, and where do they come from?”
¹⁴ “I don't know, sir. You do,” I answered.
He said to me, “These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution. They have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ That is why they stand before God's throne and serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will protect them with his presence. ¹⁶ Never again will they hunger or thirst; neither sun nor any scorching heat will burn them, ¹⁷ because the Lamb, who is in the center of the throne, will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 

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Hearing the announcement did not put my mind at ease. “This is your captain speaking. We will be experiencing some turbulence. Fasten your seatbelts.” The message came suddenly and the flight attendants scurried to their seats. A few minutes later, the plane shook violently and did a sudden dip!

 

• I was alarmed a little when I heard the warning.
• I was more alarmed when I saw how fast the flight attendants ran to their seats.
• I was even more alarmed when the plane went through the turbulence, but afterwards things got calm.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, is asked a rhetorical question from one of the twenty-four elders who sits before GOD’s throne. “Who are these people dressed in white robes, and where do they come from?” He is given an unexpected answer. “These are the people who have come safely through the terrible persecution”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is with me when I am persecuted.
• Persecution for preaching JESUS is seen by GOD and HE allows me to go through it, not around it.
• Coming safely through persecution means I can receive the benefits of GOD’s protection.

 

Going through difficult times stinks! I mean, who wants to face persecution from people who could care less about GOD? Unfortunately, this is a reality that believers must face. Persecution cannot be prayed away or wished away, because even JESUS went through it.

 

HE faced persecution from HIS own creation who murdered HIM for HIS love and kindness. HE sent a COMFORTER, because HE knew we would need comfort from persecution. The HOLY SPIRIT is there to stand with me when I face turbulent times.

 

Challenge

• What encouraging message did the writer get from the conversation?
• Have you ever felt like asking “Why me?” when facing a difficult time?
• Will you know that GOD is going through the difficult time with you and is giving you the strength to hold on so you can make it “safely through” the turbulence of life today?

Until

Until

Revelation 6: ⁹ Then the Lamb broke open the fifth seal. I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed because they had proclaimed God's word and had been faithful in their witnessing. ¹⁰ They shouted in a loud voice, “Almighty Lord, holy and true! How long will it be until you judge the people on earth and punish them for killing us?” ¹¹ Each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to rest a little while longer, until the complete number of other servants and believers were killed, as they had been.

 

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Waiting to go have some fun, I looked at the time and wondered why we hadn’t left. “We are waiting on the rest of the people to get here before we leave” was the statement I did not want to hear.

 

• I wanted to go have some fun right then and there.
• I wanted to start the enjoyment.
• I could not resolve waiting on people who I had no idea when they would arrive.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, witnessed the fifth seal being broken open by the LAMB. This time he saw the souls of people who had been killed because they proclaimed GOD’s word and were faithful in their witnessing. “How long?” was the question, not of impatience, but possibly out of weariness.

 

My Observations:

• Persecution from the world can make believers of CHRIST weary.
• GOD is protecting those who have been persecuted because of their belief in JESUS.
• GOD has extreme mercy, so HE is waiting until the last person who will believe in JESUS to be saved, before HE pours out HIS judgment.

 

When will all of this be resolved? Is my question I ask GOD. I mean, I know HE is sovereign, so asking “why?” will usually be met with silence. But asking “How long?” is a question that aligns me to HIS will, knowing HE can and will take care of the mess the world is in.

 

GOD sees and cares, despite our disbelief. HE knows who belongs to HIM and who will persecute HIS believers. HE is not concerned about death because it does not stop HIM from having an eternal relationship with you and me. How long? Until we find the last person to be saved.

 

Challenge

• What conversation is the writer listening in on?
• Have you ever thought that GOD is not in control because of all the things going on in the world?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, because HE knows what is going on and is in total control of your situation today?

Needed Encouragement

Needed Encouragement

1 Peter 5: ¹² I write you this brief letter with the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful Christian. I want to encourage you and give my testimony that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.

 

¹³ Your sister church in Babylon, also chosen by God, sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. ¹⁴ Greet one another with the kiss of Christian love.

May peace be with all of you who belong to Christ.

 

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After the car crash, I wondered if GOD was in my corner. I questioned HIS every move. Months later, bills poured in and the school dean had some bad news for me. I sat on a bench with a worried look on my face. A guy said to me “GOD loves you.”

 

• I wasn’t feeling loved because I had many problems.
• I didn’t want to hear that GOD loved me when I had so many problems.
• After hearing that GOD loved me, I turned to prayer for the first time in a long time and things got better.

 

Peter, with the help of Silas, concludes his letter to those who were suffering because of their belief in JESUS. Church leaders as well as Roman leaders, were persecuting believers because they were perceived as a threat to the government and the church. Through all the problems they faced, Petr wanted to encourage them.

 

My Observations:

• My problems can make me blind to other people having problems.
• GOD gives me resilience by telling me I will face persecution while I am on this earth.
• My eyes need to be opened to the need for encouragement.

 

Be encouraged because GOD sees you and hears you and wants you to have peace today. But what about this problem or that problem? GOD sees “you” and hears “you” and want “you” to have peace today.

 

In the middle of your storm, GOD is there. HE see what you are going through and has calculated it all in HIS plan for you. This plan is not to harm you, rather it will prosper you. I am glad GOD has a plan for peace for you and me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer close the letter with a prayer of peace?
• Have you ever scoffed at the statement “GOD loves you” because you were too worried to hear it?
• Will you turn to GOD for HIS answers so you can hear words of encouragement today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please guide this reader to YOUR peace which may come in the middle of his or her problems. Give him or her a new mindset that releases YOUR resilience and protects those who love YOU. amen

Ready At All Times

Ready At All Times

1 Peter 3: Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you, ¹⁶ but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say. ¹⁷ For it is better to suffer for doing good, if this should be God's will, than for doing evil. 

 

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Furious at the people who “attacked” me at work, I thought of ways to fight back. A thought crossed my mind to ask GOD to beat my enemies up. I had the justification because the attack was unprovoked.

 

• All I could think about was “getting even.”
• My performance started slipping because I wanted to fight.
• I lost sleep due to thinking of the actions of other people.

 

Peter provided some necessary words to those who were being chased by their religious leaders who wanted to kill them because of their belief in CHRIST. Petr suggested that they “be ready” to present the Gospel with gentleness, respect and a clear conscience.

 

My Observations:

• Thinking of evil retaliation can grow hatred and bitterness in my heart.
• Getting back at someone makes me “not ready” to explain the Gospel.
• Practicing GOD’s love and peace makes me “ready to answer” questions about HIS love.

 

Retaliation is not my job, BUT GOD’s. I mean, HE said “Vengeance is min, I will repay.” When HE used these words, HE did not include me in the “how” part of the method of repaying. So where does that leave me?

 

HE want my heart to “be ready” to show HIS love. HE desires that I explain the love of HIS SON in a non-combative respectful way. This way I can keep my conscience clear and let go of any hatred that may be growing in my heart. I am glad GOD gives me a way to let go of bitterness and to “be ready” when HE sends someone to me.

 

Challenge

• What hope is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever had a chance to show peace but you lost your patience and showed frustration or complaints?
• Would you listen to the Gospel from someone who is complaining or combative?
• Will you consider walking more in peace so you can “be ready” to present the Gospel with gentleness and respect today?

Not Afraid of Anyone

Not Afraid of Anyone

1 Peter 3: ¹³ Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry. ¹⁵ But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you,

 

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Afraid of bullies, I planned my route to school. I could avoid specific people if I went down certain blocks. But as I grew up, I was more confident to tell one of them about CHRIST. “Would you send out a message of faith-based encouragement?” was the question posed to me later in life. “No” was the answer. In the back of my mind I wondered “What would the higher ups, who don’t believe in GOD, think?”

 

• I was afraid to show my relationship with CHRIST because I wanted a title.
• I was trying to keep powerful bullies, who eventually lost their positions, pleased so I could get ahead.
• I was willing to hide my relationship with CHRIST to appease people who could care less about GOD.

 

Peter attempted to give encouragement to those “Chosen” believers who were scattered to many countries because of their belief in JESUS. They were ousted and sought after to be killed because of their belief. He tells all believers to “be ready.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to not be ashamed of my relationship with JESUS.
• Overcoming fear of relating to JESUS was a huge hurdle I needed to cross so I could be honest in what I do.
• Being ready to explain hope should be top of mind each day.

 

Perception is a friend or a foe. I mean, trying to be one way in front of people to please them when I should be bold for JESUS causes me to live in an unfruitful way. But the problem is when I try to be bold for CHRIST, worldly people get mad and may even try to harm me.

 

GOD sees all situations and rewards me when I am bold for HIM. HE doesn’t put me in bad situations all the time. HE simply wants me to “do what is good” so people who do not believe in JESUS, will ask. “why do you have so much hope?” I gladly am ready with an answer.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer urge the readers to “be ready?”
• Has anyone approached you about hope?
• Have you lost hope and are not showing the light and salt GOD has given you?
• Will you ask GOD for that bold hope that brings people back to HIM so you can be used for HIS purpose today?

Perception of Prisoners

Perception of Prisoners

Hebrews 13: ²² I beg you, my friends, to listen patiently to this message of encouragement; for this letter I have written you is not very long. ²³ I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been let out of prison. If he comes soon enough, I will have him with me when I see you.

²⁴ Give our greetings to all your leaders and to all God's people. The believers from Italy send you their greetings.

²⁵ May God's grace be with you all.

 

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Hearing that the guy down the street had been released from prison, I was scared to even ride my bike in front of their house. In fact, I heaped my suspicions on him when my child sized bike was stolen.

 

• I did not want to associate with someone who used to be a prisoner.
• I was scared of people who were released from prison.
• I thought that someone who went to prison was “worse” than me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, was no stranger to prison. In fact he spent his latter years, mostly under guard. His boldness for CHRIST was anti-human-kingdom. In other words he spoke boldly for CHRIST and was jailed. Timothy followed in his footsteps. He too, was imprisoned for CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees today’s prisoners as people HE loves dearly.
• GOD wants me to see everyone as HE sees them.
• GOD loves when I am bold for HIM.

 

Being so bold for JESUS that one is willing to go to jail for HIM seems strange. I mean, can’t we safely whisper JESUS or just use examples and not mention HIM? No! GOD wants HIS SON mentioned as much as possible.

 

It takes step-by-step courage building to become bold enough to mention JESUS easily. This boldness  opens eyes of the speaker and receiver. A total change of heart towards others is needed when it comes to being bold for JESUS. I am glad HE challenges me to see others as HE sees them.

 

Challenge

• How can the writer speak about being released from prison so easily?
• What is your perception of prisoners or newly released people?
• Will you have the same heart for prisoners and newly released people as you do with other people you hang around so he or she may praise GOD through CHRIST today?

All Grown Up

All Grown Up

Hebrews 11: Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life. ³⁶ Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison. ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were killed by the sword. They went around clothed in skins of sheep or goats—poor, persecuted, and mistreated. ³⁸ The world was not good enough for them! They wandered like refugees in the deserts and hills, living in caves and holes in the ground.

 

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“Can I go outside?” was my simple question. “No, it’s your bed time” was the answer I did not understand. “I can’t wait to grow up” I said. “Can I go out with my ‘friends’?” was another request years later. Again, “No” was the answer with a good reason. A rare shooting happened.  “Aren’t I grown up enough?” I questioned.

 

• When I “grew up” I realized I was being protected.
• I could not see that I was not quite ready to handle the dangers of life.
• I thought life would be easy “when I grew up” because no one would need to tell me what to do.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, turned to the more difficult side of faith. He wrote about those who died in their belief due to extreme persecution. These men and women lived their lives in boldness for CHRIST, rather than accepting the bondage of the world. They were free and fully grown in the faith.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to have immediate faith in HIM like a child would.
• GOD takes me through trials so I can grow up and understand HIS power in the middle of problems.
• GOD controls life and death more than people give HIM credit for and HE can protect me or take me to a “better life.”

 

Falling to the pressures of this world may make me want things I am not supposed to have. I mean, I may seek pleasure over pain or sweet over sour. When life gives me trials, I may fall apart instead of facing it with hope. BUT GOD gives me strength to face issues.

 

The HOLY SPIRIT opens my eyes to the adversary who will try to stop me from spreading the Gospel of CHRIST. Problem after problem, the enemy is relentless in trying to discourage me. BUT GOD wants me to keep going, especially when life gets tough. HE wants me to have peace in the middle of the storm. This takes some growing up. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to not let me remain a child.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention difficulties people faced?
• Have you ever wanted help, but were not receiving it?
• Have you ever blamed GOD for the trial you are or were in?
• Will you ask GOD to help you grow up enough to be able to handle the tougher parts of life with boldness for HIM, even though there may not be any relief anytime soon?

Dangers and Troubles

Dangers and Troubles

Hebrews 11: ²⁷ It was faith that made Moses leave Egypt without being afraid of the king's anger. As though he saw the invisible God, he refused to turn back. ²⁸ It was faith that made him establish the Passover and order the blood to be sprinkled on the doors, so that the Angel of Death would not kill the first-born sons of the Israelites.

 

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Driving in a neighborhood that was known for its dangers, I made a wrong turn. I ended up on a dead end street, similar to those seen in movies. I panicked as I looked in my rear view mirror to see who was converging on me. No one was around. I simply backed up and drove away.

 

• I brought worry and fear into the situation.
• I worried about what could happen instead of seeing what was happening.
• I thought the worst, instead of thinking of the best.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his faith examples with another aspect from Moses. Danger would not stop Moses from doing what the LORD said to do. He boldly left Egypt after GOD sent plagues, making Pharoah desire to send the slaves away. GOD also protected those who believed in placing blood on their doors from the final plague, namely Angel of Death.

 

My Observations:

• My fears can diminish my faith in GOD.
• GOD loves when I face my fears by turning to HIM for the answers.
• GOD specializes in protection and deliverance, even when things seem bleak.

 

In the middle of danger and trouble, GOD wants me to take a deep breath and keep moving towards HIM. I mean, things may seem impossible with no way out and no solution at hand. GOD steps in and provides when I stay the course.

 

HE knows I am still afraid. BUT HE also knows how to provide for me when I get nervous and need HIM to show me the way. I am glad GOD takes care of my deepest fears and addresses all situations with HIS loving power.

 

Challenge

• How do the two examples of the writer relate to each other?
• Have you ever faced danger or trouble and panicked?
• Will you take faith into your next encounter with danger or trouble so you can calm down enough to hear GOD, and be delivered from evil that day?

Expect It

Expect It

2 Timothy 3: ¹⁰ But you have followed my teaching, my conduct, and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, ¹¹ my persecutions, and my sufferings. You know all that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the terrible persecutions I endured! But the Lord rescued me from them all. ¹² Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted; ¹³ and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

 

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Walking a certain route home was the norm, but I deviated this particular day. I ran into some thugs who summoned me over. I ignored their request and started walking faster. I could hear then say “didn’t you hear me? Get over here!” my walk turned into a trot. I then heard someone say “Leave him alone!” It was a tough kid I knew who protected me.

 

• I did not expect to be ambushed.
• I did not expect any problems that day.
• I did not expect anything different to happen just by doing something innocent.

 

Paul warns Timothy that he will be persecuted. He then tells Timothy to remember all the times he personally had been persecuted. Paul recalls the suffering he went through and gives Timothy these harsh words. “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in union with Christ Jesus will be persecuted;”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to expect persecution in this life.
• Persecution will come from nowhere and I should be ready.
• Deceit is the norm for those who do not follow the LORD.

 

Following JESUS is tough. I mean, when I declared publicly that I follow JESUS, I thought life would be so much better. It sometimes got worse. Those who pretended to know HIM used deceit to gain my trust and proceeded to pour out their harm.

 

GOD wants me to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. In other words, I should expect life to have deceitful people who pretend to follow GOD but really are deceiving themselves and others. I accept the fact that life will bring persecution and I am glad GOD gives me strength to endure.

 

Challenge

• What persecution do you think the writer is speaking of?
• Have you ever tried to follow JESUS and things went wrong?
• Will you expect trouble in life and ask GOD for strength to endure today?

Purposeful Perseverance

 

Purposeful Perseverance

2 Timothy 1: ¹¹ God has appointed me as an apostle and teacher to proclaim the Good News, ¹² and it is for this reason that I suffer these things. But I am still full of confidence, because I know whom I have trusted, and I am sure that he is able to keep safe until that Day what he has entrusted to me. ¹³ Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you, as the example for you to follow, and remain in the faith and love that are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, keep the good things that have been entrusted to you.

 

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Quitting the track team was easy. I simply told the coach, I would not be back the next year. Years later, I found myself doing other things that were stressful or unfulfilling. I quit those things too. And when I did not get my way, I quit GOD.

 

• I wanted life to be a certain way and it wasn’t.
• I made excuses for not following GOD because it seemed like HE wasn’t listening to me.
• I prayed about things and they did not go “my” way so I felt “Why serve GOD?”

 

Paul impressed on Timothy the importance of perseverance. He used himself as an example of how things could get in life, but to persevere  because of purpose. HE mentioned his appointed position as an apostle and teacher of the Good News. Because of this, he suffered, yet persevered.

 

My Observations

• There is a part of following JESUS that I don’t like, but know I have to accept, namely suffering.
• When I feel like giving up on GOD I am reminded that HE never, ever, ever gives up on me.
• Having purpose within CHRIST makes me endure.

 

Perseverance is a necessary component of following JESUS. I mean, true belief in HIM leads to a fight directed by Satan. He wants to be GOD and wants you and me to want the same, so he turns up the heat of feeling stressed out, haggard and worn. After a while, I get so tired, that I murmur the words “I feel like giving up.” BUT GOD says otherwise.

 

HE sent HIS SPIRIT to live inside me to pick me up when I am down. HE protects me and keep me :safe” until the Day of our LORD. Humans redefine the word “safe” to fit his or her likes and wants versus understanding their relationship with GOD will never be severed. I am “full of confidence” that my life, in union with CHRIST is worth persevering.

 

Challenge

• How many ways does the writer imply “keep going?”
• Have you ever stopped trusting in GOD because you haven’t seen a situation get any better?
• Be honest, is there a part of you the trusts human ingenuity more than prayer?
• Will you place your hope and trust back in the LORD who works all life situations out in ways that are far beyond our understanding, yet keeps a solid relationship with you eternally?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please keep this reader through difficult times. Let him or her know your love and provide perseverance through difficult circumstances. Pour out YOUR blessings in ways unimaginable. amen

Looking Forward

Looking Forward

2 Thessalonians Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to be with him: I beg you, my friends, ² not to be so easily confused in your thinking or upset by the claim that the Day of the Lord has come. Perhaps it is thought that we said this while prophesying or preaching, or that we wrote it in a letter. ³ Do not let anyone deceive you in any way. For the Day will not come until the final Rebellion takes place and the Wicked One appears, who is destined to hell. ⁴ He will oppose every so-called god or object of worship and will put himself above them all. He will even go in and sit down in God's Temple and claim to be God.

 

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Racing to the location, I was upset that everything was gone. I had missed the carnival that I was looking forward to. “Why are you upset?” a neighbor asked. I explained my sadness and she told me “The carnival has been postponed and will be here later.”

 

• I thought I missed something.
• I was really looking forward to having some fun.
• I was upset because I thought I had missed what I was looking forward to.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy address a concern relating to the Day of the LORD. This Day is set aside for the return of the LORD. Times must have been difficult and the people thought they had missed CHRIST’s return. They needed some assurance.

 

My Observations

• JESUS will return some day for us, but before this happens, things will get worse.
• GOD wants me to remain faithful and to stay focused on the salvation of JESUS.
• Looking forward to CHRIST’s return helps me keep the hope that HE has given me.

 

Let’s face it, times seem more and more difficult than before. Complex issues are the norm and confusion seems to be the expectation. BUT GOD is not the author of confusion.

 

HE wants everyone who believes in JESUS for salvation to understand there is an enemy, Satan, who opposes all that is good. Satan will stop at nothing to keep people confused, mislead and misdirected to look to themselves as the answer.

 

He tries to set up shop in our hearts as GOD to tear us away from the MOST HIGH. I am glad GOD holds onto me and you and I look forward to continuing to serve HIM while I wait.

 

Challenge

• What confusion about the LORD’s return do the writers speak about?
• Has there been confusion who and what GOD is?
• Are you confused and upset?
• Will you place your trust in the LORD so HE can guide you to peace, knowing HE has you?

Better Than You Think

Better Than You Think

2 Thessalonians 2: ³ Our friends, we must thank God at all times for you. It is right for us to do so, because your faith is growing so much and the love each of you has for the others is becoming greater. ⁴ That is why we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God. We boast about the way you continue to endure and believe through all the persecutions and sufferings you are experiencing.

 

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After a while, the trials I was going through could no longer be hidden. I would pretend everything was fine, but it really was not fine. When I told people what I was going through, they said “I was going through that same thing! I’m sorry you are going through this, but it’s good to know it’s not just me.”

 

• I just wanted the problem to be cleared up before I told people.
• I just wanted the trial to be over without people knowing.
• I did not want to be an example.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy expresses their gratitude to the everyone who belonged to GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. They knew this group of people would be persecuted and suffer many painful experiences. While no one likes trials, they spoke highly of this group because of how they kept their belief through the trials.

 

My Observations

• GOD does not make me suffer, but knows I will go through trials.
• GOD wants me to hold onto hope and belief in the middle of my persecution and suffering.
• GOD wants me to know that other people need to hear what I am going through so he or she can understand they are not alone.

 

Suffering stinks! Who wants to go through persecution? No one. BUT GOD seems to allow us to go through things, not around them. When I go through something, I find it amazing that many others are going through something similar.  The enemy, Satan, wants me to isolate, blame or fall into a hole of despair. BUT GOD has a different plan.

 

HE wants me to just simply be. I do  not have to be anything special or do anything courageous. HE wants me to know I am not alone and tell others about my trial. To some, it will fall on deaf ears, but to the right person, GOD will use the message to heal me and him or her. I just want you to know that you are doing better than you think.

 

Challenge

• Why are the writers thankful for a group of people who are enduring persecution?
• Have you ever suffered persecution and do not see it ending any time soon?
• Will you endure against Satan’s lies and know that you are doing better than you think because of your faith in JESUS, our LORD and Savior?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader with YOUR protection during this trial. Open his or her heart to YOU so HE or she can hold fast to YOUR faith. Thank YOU for endurance, belief and hope. amen

Check In

Check In

1 Thessalonians 3: ⁴ For while we were still with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to be persecuted; and as you well know, that is exactly what happened. ⁵ That is why I had to send Timothy. I could not bear it any longer, so I sent him to find out about your faith. Surely it could not be that the Devil had tempted you and all our work had been for nothing!

 

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As the storm loomed closer, the news about the hurricane became more and more prevalent. My relatives were in this particular area that was in the path of devastation. I had no idea what was going on.

 

• I had many questions.
• I wondered about their safety.
• I could not bear not knowing, so I checked in on them.

 

Timothy was sent to check in on the Thessalonians. They heard about the persecution and needed someone to go to Thessalonica to help out and to encourage them to remain faithful.

 

My Observations

• Many people may be going through storms, so GOD wants me to check in on them.
• I may not have the answer to the situation, BUT GOD wants me to show I am with those HE sends me to.
• “Does GOD care?” is the question that gets an affirmative answer by me when I check in.

 

Trial and tribulations are not desirable! In fact, they stink! Unfortunately, there is a being who wants to cause problems at every turn, namely the Devil. His torrent of storms causes people to become discouraged and give up. BUT GOD has an answer. “You and me.”

 

“Wait, what can I do?” you may ask. Simply check in on someone. “But I need to be checked in on” you may say. Yes, when you need to be checked in on, someone else is in the same difficult spot and may just need you. I am not telling those who cannot muster up energy to just try harder. I am saying if someone comes to mind, check in on him or her.

 

Challenge

• Why do the writers mention their persecution?
• What trial and tribulations have you gone through that you wished someone would have checked in on you?
• Will you check in on someone so you can pray for him or her and encourage people to keep their faith in CHRIST?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, please bless this reader to remain firm in YOUR path. Bless this reader to be filled with encouragement that YOU have all situations under YOUR control. amen

No Turning Back

 

No Turning Back

1 Thessalonians 3: Finally, we could not bear it any longer. So we decided to stay on alone in Athens ² while we sent Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in preaching the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and help your faith, ³ so that none of you should turn back because of these persecutions. You yourselves know that such persecutions are part of God's will for us. 

 

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Walking into the sports arena felt wonderful! All the trophies glistened. I thought to myself, I am going to get one of those!” During the orientation the coach explained that anyone could walk onto the team. Morning run would begin at 5 AM, breakfast was with the team, so was study and practice was after study, then bed. I immediately turned around and walked away!

 

• I did not want to go through all of that.
• I wanted things to be a little easier.
• I desired the prize, but not the work.

 

Timothy was sent to the people of Thessalonica to strengthen them. They had gone through persecution and some people felt like turning back from following JESUS. Life must have been hard as they contemplated leaving GOD and doing what everyone else is doing. Timothy was sent to help them in their faith.

 

My Observations

• Life can get difficult so GOD gave me a COMFORTER.
• Persecutions can be plentiful, BUT GOD helps me go through the persecution.
• Difficulties can be massive, so I need a place where I can put my hope, namely JESUS.

 

Sometimes the trial seems bigger than the solutions I can dream up. I mean, it seems like “I” have to come up with the solution because GOD won’t get me out of the trial. This is a lie. GOD has the trial mixed in with HIS plan for my life.

 

When I go through trials, I gain a ministry that is unique to me. I can now reach others that are going through similar trials. GOD does not want me to suffer, but knows I will. HE is there to strengthen me and sends others to me to help me not turn back. I am glad GOD has many people to surround me in trials.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writers could not bear it any longer?
• What persecutions have you gone through because of your beliefs in the LORD?
• Will you hang in there and not turn back even when it gets hard so GOD can show HIS power over your situation HIS way and in HIS time?

Keep Going

Keep Going

1 Thessalonians 2: ¹⁴ Our friends, the same things happened to you that happened to the churches of God in Judea, to the people there who belong to Christ Jesus. You suffered the same persecutions from your own people that they suffered from the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and persecuted us. How displeasing they are to God! How hostile they are to everyone! ¹⁶ They even tried to stop us from preaching to the Gentiles the message that would bring them salvation. In this way they have brought to completion all the sins they have always committed. And now God's anger has at last come down on them!

 

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It seemed like the trial would never end. Problem after problem, more situations kept coming. But after a while everything got better. I looked around and there were no trials that could not be handled easily. That’s when bigger trials happened and persecution became the norm.

 

• I was attacked for speaking about JESUS.
• I was labeled “the problem” while trying to bring the solution.
• I was confused and wondered why GOD would allow me to suffer even though I spoke about HIM.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy spoke empathetically to the people of Thessalonica. They mentioned that other churches have suffered persecution for speaking about JESUS as the one and only Savior. Church leaders, who did not believe in JESUS being GOD, caused many trials on those who believed.

 

My Observations

• JESUS said I would suffer in this life, but my suffering would be worth it.
• GOD does not want me to suffer, but knows I will because I believe in HIS SON as the solution for everything.
• Those who do not believe in JESUS will label me, causing persecution.

 

Trials and persecution are not fun. I mean who wants to go through rage, hatred or attacks? I sure don’t!. BUT GOD allows this for some reason. The strangest thing is that JESUS, being GOD, volunteered to become a human and suffer.

 

HE was ridiculed, slandered, lied on and murdered by HIS own creation. Unknown to them, JESUS rose from the dead. The church leaders could not stand to bow down to JESUS even after HIS resurrection.

 

They made people suffer and threw them out of the cushy communities. Fortunately GOD saw this and encouraged all to keep going. I don’t like trials from unbelievers, but I will stand firm and keep going.

 

Challenge

• What suffering do you think the writers spoke about?
• Have you ever suffered because of your beliefs in JESUS?
• Will you keep going even though your love for CHRIST may not make you popular, knowing HE loves you dearly?