Monday, July 23rd, 2018

We see so much in the world happening each week that is troubling, challenging, and sad. Seeing others suffer through tough times can be hard to watch, but it is even harder when tragedy strikes those we love—or ourselves. In those trials, the most important decision we make is what to do about our relationship with God. Do we turn away from Him? Do we treat him as just a listening ear to complain to? Or do we elevate our relationship to the next level—trusting that He will abundantly provide all we need in this challenging season? The answer to those who are not in the midst of trouble is obvious, but when we are in the middle of real challenges, there is nothing harder than to see the good opportunities that God is presenting to us through our pain. In the end, it boils down to one idea: If I’m not with God in the tough times, I’m not with Him anytime. Paul proclaimed this to the Corinthians, saying, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Today, pray for those in the middle of trials to seek God first, and if you find yourself in a trial, ask God to show you the opportunities He has in store for you.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV