Have you ever been in a storm that lasts a little too long? And you sit by the edge of the sea and cry, when God, when? When will you come to my aid, when you restore the joy of my salvation? Sometimes it comes from all directions, sickness, financial issues, depression, loss of a loved one, etc.
I know exactly where you are and while I can’t make the storm go away, I can offer some hope. After all, when everything else around Abraham was spiraling out of control, the bible says, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Romans 4:18
So that is what I am here to bring to you today……..hope
You see, God never promises us that life will be peachy when we come to Him. If anything, it can be more challenging, but I promise you it is so much more rewarding than anything else you could give your life to. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus asks us to take heart, because at the end of the day, if we have given our lives to God, we will go be with Him in paradise. So I want you to ask yourself this question, What is the worst that could happen? Even if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, the worst thing that could happen is that you could pass away, go to heaven with Christ and never suffer another day in your life. Believe me, I don’t mean to lessen the sadness that comes from a diagnosis like this, and I know your loved ones will hurt, but they too will be comforted by God. I don’t know about you, but I actually look forward to dying, much like Paul did when he said, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; Phillipians 1:22
- If you’re having financial issues, what is the worst that could happen? You lose your house, or car, you will reach out to friends or family and find a place to stay until you get on your feet. You scale back on your budget, and dig yourself out of the hole with Jesus’s help. I promise you, the experience will humble you and allow you to share a testimony with others going through the same thing. You will also be more appreciative of prosperity when God blesses you this time.
- If you’re experiencing a breakup/divorce, what is the worst that could happen? I know rejection is the worst feeling in the world, we seem to put our ultimate hope in romantic relationships, but my dear friend, if someone left you then perhaps this is a blessing in disguise. This is an opportunity to get closer to God, to truly fall in love with him and He will heal all your hurts if you allow him to. I am a firm believer also in restoration. If this person is going to bless your life, God can and will repair that broken relationship. Seek him, pray for the other person, and allow him to do the work. If they do not return, I promise you he has someone better for you. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14.
I’m not sure about you, but I’m noticing a theme the Holy Spirit is infusing into this message as I write. These verses say, “take heart”. This means to have courage, to have confidence in God, and to cheer up! God wants us to take heart and know that HE IS GOOD. He is a wonderful father who longs to bless his children. He desires to give us good things. He really does! I want you to meditate on this verse for a week if you have trouble believing this like I do at times. “Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; And let them say continually, “The LORD be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:27
In the midst of the swallowing storms, take the time to ask yourself what is the worst that could happen, and then trust that most likely….. what you are expecting will not even come to fruition. Reminder yourself that God is with you, He will never leave you or forsake you, and that there are so many better days ahead for you. They will outnumber the bad ones, I promise!
I hope that you will also take some time to meditate and declare the promises of God over your life. Here are a few below to get you started;
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:19
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 1:33
But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
And after you do all of this, pray, and cast your cares on God, the sun(The Son), will break through and your life will be overflowing yet again. Don’t get stuck and don’t give up because you’ll miss out on the blessings God has, just around the corner….
~Happy Living My Friends