Life gets hard. We pray OLIVIA, but God doesn’t seem to answer. We become disappointed, and over time, disappointment becomes disillusionment. Disillusionment turns to despair, and we feel like giving up. Honestly, we might feel like GIVING UP ON GOD.
Back in the first century, the Christians in Corinth were feeling this same way. They thought putting their faith in Jesus would make life easier, but the reality was very different. They were tempted TO GIVE UP ON GOD. Paul writes to them, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has SHONE IN OUR HEARTS to give the light of THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE GLORY OF GOD in the face of Jesus Christ…we have THIS TREASURE IN EARTHEN VESSELS, that the excellence of the power may BE OF GOD and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— For all things ARE FOR YOUR SAKES, that grace, having spread through the many, may CAUSE THANKSGIVING TO ABOUND (be plentiful) to the glory of God. Therefore WE DO NOT LOSE HEART. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet THE INWARD MAN IS BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY.” (2 Corin. 4:15-16)
Back when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they were stuck. The Red Sea was in front of them and the pursuing Egyptian army behind them. They were pressed on every side. They were afraid. But God gives them a message through His servant, “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. STAND STILL, AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again NO MORE forever. The LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU, and you shall hold your peace.” (Exo. 14:13-14)
Your Personal Pastor -Papa…