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Today, some of us somewhere are receiving bad news, having to deal with unexpected challenges, existing in the darkness of being alone, having our feelings hurt, aren’t sure where our next meal is coming from, wandering how are we going to make that payment or going through excruciating physical pain. During times like these, we want to quit right where we are and never take another step because we don’t know what the future holds! Our Creator has left us with directions and a map to overcoming our biggest obstacles if we will love, trust, and submit our lives to Christ. We persevere during challenges when we realize:
We all suffer at some point: Matthew 5:45 says, “that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Christians are not immune to grief or suffering: 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
We are to help others who suffer: Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
We must be willing to bear our own burdens: Galatians 6:5 says, “For each one shall bear his own load.”
We must strive to be content despite our challenges: Philippians 4:11-13 says Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. I know now to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Don’t give in, don’t give way, and Don’t Give Up!
Allen Jones
Glasgow, KY