Dear Precious Friends,
On this beautiful new day, this gift from God, I really needed this reminder to share with you. I love to share what I need to hear...
This scripture from 2 Corinthians 4 is such a great encouragement especially when we are walking through trials and distress. Paul is our go to guy as he shares his focus on the ultimate goal of Jesus Christ even under severe persecution from sharing the Good News. It is so reassuring to remember that God never abandons us and when we are under a trial or difficulty, this is the opportunity for Christ to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us.
“ This, too, shall pass.” When we are going through hardship, deep disappointment, or some struggle that seems impossible, it’s easy to be tempted to think, I cannot stand this for one more day.
The devil takes advantage of our hurts and wounds and tempts us to think several times a day that our trials are going to last forever, that we will hurt for the rest of our lives, or that the negative effect of our problems will be permanent. We think, and sometimes fear, our pain will follow us everywhere we go for as long as we live. The truth is nothing on earth lasts forever. The only thing we have that is eternal is our life in Christ. In the context of eternity, the struggles that seem unending in this life are actually quite brief. God always wants to heal us, restore us, and deliver us.
When we look back over the course of our life and remember times we have been hurt. God has been faithful to bring us through those times; we can be confident we will make it through current challenges again through Christ, who gives you strength (Phil. 4:13).
Paul’s point in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 is that seasons of difficulty always pass. They do not last forever. Going through trials is tough, but God is always with us—helping us, encouraging us, and fighting our battles for us. He never wants us to stay in pain. He always wants to heal us.
When we are tempted to become discouraged because we feel your journey to healing in our soul is taking a long time, remember: “This, too, shall pass.” Our afflictions may not seem “light and momentary” to us right now, but from the perspective of eternity, they are. No matter how difficult our situation may look, God loves us and has a good plan for our life. Our future is bright, and He is preparing us for something great.
Consider this:
- Grapes must be crushed before there is wine to enjoy
- Olives are hard pressed to produce the beneficial oil
- Diamonds are formed under intense pressure
- Seeds must be planted in darkness before they can grow.
Whenever you're feeling the pressure of life; when you're feeling crushed or that things are pressing in on you, lost in darkness unable to see what God is doing... You're most likely in a place of powerful transformation, don't try to change your circumstance or get out of your situation; trust God. Trust the process. Be still and know that He is at work producing eternal blessings.
Romans 8:28 (ESV) says that we can know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. God can take even the hurts and wounds we endure and use them for good in our lives. They won’t last forever, and He will use them to strengthen us and to bless and help others.
Father, I know that nothing on earth lasts forever. Help me to understand we will have trials and troubles, yet, Your great love for us reminds us that You are always with us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
