Year of the Bible: Part Ten of TwelvePrøve

Give Up? Never! Do you know with certainty that Christ will raise you from the dead? Do you know that, though this body of yours is perishing, you’ll get a new one? Do you really believe any hardships in this life are temporary and will be powerfully overshadowed by your eternal rewards? God never promised to make our lives easy. Here are some words Paul used to describe his circumstances: hard-pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. Even within those circumstances, however, Paul clarified that he was not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed! If we truly believe what we profess, we will keep Jesus at the forefront of our thoughts and words, even in the face of adversity. We’ll be carriers of His light to a world desperately ensnared by unbelief, fear, and anxiety. Question: Is your faith leading your steps and words, or are discouraging circumstances affecting your demeanor and mood? Prayer: Father, I hear Your words; I believe this life is temporary and that You will raise me on the last day! I choose to rejoice even in difficulty because I am not alone. In the midst of trouble, please renew me day to day so my life will honor and draw others to You.