Rest in the Wrestleනියැදිය

DAY 4: THE PROOF

Faith is defined as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. Faith rarely appeals to our five senses, which is what makes it so special, yet extremely challenging to stabilize. Faith can bend but should never break. In my experience, I am more hopeful of a future I can’t see or be certain about when I remember all that God has done for me in the past. God’s track record in my life elevates my faith. When I’m reminded of God’s resume, I can rest in the peace that He will be faithful in my future. I’m living proof of His goodness and provision. There hasn’t been a struggle or challenge that He hasn’t brought me and my family through. Despite discouraging, painful lessons and learning, His faithful presence and patience are evidence of His goodness. He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). His goodness, blessing, and favor are available to all who place their hope of eternity in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Many of us wrestle with the uncertainty of whether or not we will overcome a traumatic event or if we will ever break through a consistent pattern of adversity. Some of us seriously doubt if we will ever overcome a health, relational, or financial struggle that has seemingly plagued our lives for years. Maybe we have even attributed this generational condition as a demonic curse that has kept our family heritage in bondage for decades. If so, the good news is that freedom can be ours through what Christ sacrificed on the cross. We can rest in the wrestle by boldly and prayerfully approaching the Lord. His grace is sufficient. His mercies are new each day. His spirit of peace is more than enough. See, I told you there was good news and that there is freedom available to us.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Despite our circumstances of recurring setbacks and trials, many of us would not have survived if God weren't good and if He weren’t paying attention to our pain. The fact that we’re still breathing on our own, living indoors, and eating hot food is proof that God is still in the business of provision and protection. Don’t just take my word for it. Look it up. Scripture is very clear that God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). We can assuredly take Jesus at His word in the first of the four Gospels. Matthew 6:33 promises, “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be added to you.” Proof of the promise of an abundant life is clear in the scriptures, and the gift of salvation, through the ultimate gesture of grace, was given at the expense of Jesus paying for our sin on the cross. We can rest in the fact that Jesus’s pain and hardship far surpass anything we can endure or imagine. We can rest in the truth that the Holy Spirit was given to us as a helper to guide us through struggle and comfort us through pain. Our wrestle is minor compared to Jesus’s ultimate wrestling match with his destiny to make a way of peace and rest for all of us who believe in Him.

REST AREA

• Write 3 notable moments where God showed up on your behalf and brought you through a difficult endeavor or encounter.