February 19th, 2021
Heal: Beyond Brokenness Devotional Series – Week 2 – Second Wind - Friday – Shirley Davis
Clinging to Faith
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (AMPC)
"We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard-driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed."
What is it that leads us to admire someone? Perhaps their beauty or talent or accomplishments? Yet, I believe another quality can touch us profoundly and inspire admiration and respect in us—and it can be found in even the most "insignificant" people. It comes when we learn how someone has overcome enormous obstacles, suffering, or tragedy yet never given up. No matter who we are, we all find we must confront such situations from time to time in life when we get pushed to our very limits.
The above verses from our key bible passage put it so bluntly. We feel totally overwhelmed and helpless during a seemingly impossible situation, and we are desperately trying to hang on to our faith! We are so aware of our weaknesses and failings, and, as Christians, we may be desperately hoping that no-one else knows of how we are barely hanging on! But we can be assured Our Heavenly Father knows EXACTLY how we are feeling and is right there in the middle of it with us!
Some years ago, I remembered being in such a place when I suddenly had a thought that I knew came from God - our most remarkable testimony is not when we can point to an achievement resulting from our faithful hard work. We never know who around us is watching, and perhaps our most remarkable testimony is as they see us going through desperate and almost impossible situations yet still clinging to our thread of faith in God!
Clinging to Faith
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (AMPC)
"We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair; We are pursued (persecuted and hard-driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed."
What is it that leads us to admire someone? Perhaps their beauty or talent or accomplishments? Yet, I believe another quality can touch us profoundly and inspire admiration and respect in us—and it can be found in even the most "insignificant" people. It comes when we learn how someone has overcome enormous obstacles, suffering, or tragedy yet never given up. No matter who we are, we all find we must confront such situations from time to time in life when we get pushed to our very limits.
The above verses from our key bible passage put it so bluntly. We feel totally overwhelmed and helpless during a seemingly impossible situation, and we are desperately trying to hang on to our faith! We are so aware of our weaknesses and failings, and, as Christians, we may be desperately hoping that no-one else knows of how we are barely hanging on! But we can be assured Our Heavenly Father knows EXACTLY how we are feeling and is right there in the middle of it with us!
Some years ago, I remembered being in such a place when I suddenly had a thought that I knew came from God - our most remarkable testimony is not when we can point to an achievement resulting from our faithful hard work. We never know who around us is watching, and perhaps our most remarkable testimony is as they see us going through desperate and almost impossible situations yet still clinging to our thread of faith in God!
Posted in Heal Beyond Brokenness
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