- 2 Corinthians 12:8, Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
Life perpetually faces times of emotional, physical, social and spiritual hardships, depressions, defeat, and insufficiencies. The enemy has the ability to allow you to view these battles as direct blows which will cause you to doubt the realness of God. In 1 Peter 5:8, we read, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” That “someone” is you. God has invested so much in us and the devil is aware “of God’s investment in us”. The enemy wants us to fail miserably. He comes to take away our hope, joy, and faith. I have even heard people say that it is easier to do bad than good. But, what does that benefit? Nothing! According to our key verse God’s grace (a manifestation of favor) is sufficient for you, for His power is made perfect (excellent or complete beyond practical or theoretical improvement – I love that!) in our weakness.
How are you viewing the struggles in your life? Are you defeated? Look at every situation in your life and view it as you are going for a six month vision check up. When you enter the office, the ophthalmologist asks “How’s your vision?” and you reply “Umm, my vision is blurry sometimes and I am beginning to squint (doubt settles).” He pulls that big black and white machine with two optical lenses and places it on the from in front of your face. With the lights out, he tells you to read the clearest line and you can only read the top line. Then he flips the optical lens and you can clearly read the bottom line. You are amazed and impressed. He writes you a prescription for your new glasses. When you get the new glasses, you are no longer squinting, your headaches are gone and everything is clear.
Well… if you are beat up by the enemy, feeling depressed, and you think the Lord doesn’t hear you, SWITCH YOUR FOCUS! Let God’s Word be your new optical lens and you will see how God wants your life to be! Don’t focus on the world’s view because the world will tell you anything to relieve their pressure. We serve a risen Savior that came to earth and died so that we could have life more abundantly. Sure, we may have to be patient for some doors to open but be glad in your waiting! Adjust your vision and view those hardships as possible avenues for the attack of the enemy before you meddle in them. Hit the enemy hard with the Word of God.
Here Are Some Bible Scriptures for Daily Encouragement
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 2:3, Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
- Ecclesiastes 7:14, When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.
- Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many.
- Hebrews 12:7, Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father
