I know of someone who often complained why he never received visitors, as often as others. Trouble is those who visited this gentleman were normally entertained to a harsh tongue full of spite. In this gentleman’s household there was always something to cry foul at: the bad weather, the poor hygiene all around, the nature of his house which builders had messed up, the exploitative government, children’s poor grades, the lack of people keeping time, just about everything. Never had he room to find something to praise.
But then, what was the situation with his neighbor. Well, this other person who lived a block away had a lot to smile at. There were her kids who were at school, the weather that brought good food, the work of her hands, her sweet neighbors she could share the gospel with, and more! There was a lot to thank God for.
Often life is a choice. We can choose to go about snipping and quarreling about this and that. Many times we end up with a depressed company around us. Or we can choose to be gentle with ourselves and find something good every day to be thankful for, remembering it is he, who gives life. Let us be like Job who in his distress still found a word of cheer: “You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit” Job 10:12.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, help me have a cheerful spirit full of praise and that lifts up the spirit of those around me as a witness of your love!
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02/05/2024 - 03/05/2024 All day“That is why for Christ’s sake I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:10)
We all crave to be blessed in life. But was there a believer who was so blessed beyond any circumstances without experiencing some sort of discomfort, in one way or another! A person may apparently be blessed in every single way yet have one troubling matter that constantly drives him down to his knees.
The one mightily blessed with riches may have a family situation that leaves him ever on edge. Someone who seems to be at the height of his profession may be living with an ailment that keeps him ever on tentacles. The one blessed with abundant health might from time to time be dealing with financial woes.
Why do such troubling situations plague even believers? One explanation could be found in the Apostle Paul’s life. Called into ministry and endowed with many gifts, including amazing revelations from above, yet he had a matter that constantly drove him on his knees. “Therefore in order to keep me from being conceited, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan, to torment me” (2 Cor 12: 7).
Paul would often cry out to God to free him of this particularly troubling matter. But the Lord came back with, “My grace is sufficient for you. For my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Cor 12: 9).
The comfort of this lesson is that God is completely aware of whatever might be ever troubling us. Moreover, it could be purposely there, that we constantly place our faith in Him, other than relying on our strength and resources, especially as He blesses us in other uplifting ways.
Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray that whatever matter is constantly troubling me, I know it is for a purpose and you are in total control, to bless me even more, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
