HOLDING ON WHEN HOPE SEEMS LOST
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will be crowned with life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12, BSB
Theme: Persevering through challenges provides opportunity for spiritual growth and fosters intimacy with God as we learn to trust Him.
PARALYZED BY FEAR
Back against the wall, stuck in a challenging situation, going under, rock bottom, stretched out on the floor; paralyzed. Have you ever felt that way, paralyzed by the fear of unexpected circumstances? I have…I have spent many hours on the floor of my walk-in closet; door closed in the darkness, paralyzed by the traumas of this life. Thankfully, the Lord meets me there every time.
As I lie on my back, feeling “all the feels” and allowing God to help me process my emotions, He tenderly speaks His Word over me, “Let not your heart be troubled”( John 14:1a, KJV), “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”,(Philippians 4:13, NKJV), “The Lord is close to the broken hearted; He rescues those who’s spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18, NLT). As I pour out my heart to Him, I am assured He bends down to listen (Psalm 116:2, NLT).
The time I spent on the floor of that closet with the Lord was the sweetest and most challenging time of my life. The time I still spend in His presence begins to heal me, restore my soul, build endurance, and provide me with the motivation to get up and keep going. God reveals Himself and teaches us about His character in those dark places and as we learn to trust Him, we gain the strength we need to persevere.
SINK OR SWIM
In the movie Penguin Bloom, there is a scene where Sam’s husband, Cameron, approaches Sam with an opportunity to get out of her wheelchair and into a kayak. This suggestion quickly escalates into an argument in which Sam ends up going to the bedroom and slamming the door. While she is trying to get into bed, she falls and lands on her back. While she is lying there, she hears the excitement of her family on the other side of the door, cheering as Penguin takes her first flight! Cameron comes in and picks Sam up off the floor so that she can be a part of this moment where perseverance shows its reward. The exuberance of the event ignites a spark of hope and a renewed sense of purpose in Sam, and she agrees to try getting out of the wheelchair and out onto the water in a kayak. She steps out in faith… she perseveres.
Make It Personal: Like Sam, we may feel like we want to give up when life gets hard. There may be times when we feel like we are paralyzed, and as we are plunged into the depths of trials and tribulations, we begin to panic and struggle as we swim toward the surface of the water. Jesus said that “here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b, NLT). Life here will not be easy, but when we trust and persevere, what is waiting on the other side IS worth it.
Pray: Father God, the trials of this life are hard. There are days when we may feel like crying and giving up, but on those days when we reach the end, You gently remind us that You are just beginning. Thank You for Your patience with us as we heal and learn to trust. We have come a long way on this journey together and we are reaching out to You and saying, “Yes, I am ready” -- ready to stop looking back; and looking forward to doing this life with You. I trust You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1, 7-18; Romans 5:3-4
Weekly Memory Verse: “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8, NIV