August 19th

AUGUST 19th

It is not either/or, it is both/and. When we are in hard times, we can still have joy. When we are suffering, we can still have God’s peace. As deep as our sorrow or grief may be, we can still have God’s hope.

The problem is we don’t see that it is possible. If we don’t settle it in our minds now because the Word of God says it, then we won’t even look for it when we are in the middle of sorrow or hard situations. We have to get it in our hearts that two things that seem to be opposites can be true at the same time. You can have sorrow and joy, etc.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Jesus said that He came to give us full life. He didn’t say that would keep the enemy from trying to steal, kill or destroy us. It is both/and. The enemy continues to try to take us out, but Jesus always also offers full life. When the enemy comes at us we can look for that life, but often we only focus on the destruction. Oh I’m not saying it is easy! But we need to understand that it is possible and it is what Jesus wants for us! He doesn’t want our focus on the storm, He wants our eyes on Him. IF we can do that, we will reap the blessings that He has for us in the middle of the storm. And speaking from experience, blessings in the storm are even sweeter than those that come during good times.

I know, we want to avoid the troubles, but Jesus said they are gonna happen, so rather than letting ourselves be totally paralyzed by the pain, let’s ask Him to help us realize that we are not hopeless and reach for His hope and peace.

John 16:33 “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.”

So in the words of Dr. Lee Warren : A>SKD

Or- Abundance (full life) is greater than the enemy’s stealing, killing, or destroying.

It can be really hard in the middle of trouble to remember that God has good things for us in that same time, so it is really important to get it into our mind now that we can have both so that we remember to look for it. One example that Dr. Warren uses is the pain he and his wife felt when their son was killed but that was invaded by the birth of their first granddaughter. It was then that he realized that he could feel that joy at the same time he felt grief. That is just one example.

If you are in a hard season right now, look for God’s hope and peace. Ask Him to show you His hand in your life right now. It could be right in front of you and you don’t even realize it.

Jesus, thank you for the hope you provide for me in the middle of storms. Help me to see you in my life despite the enemy’s attacks. Help me to remember that even what the enemy means for evil you will use for my good. It is hard to see past pain but I want to and I need your help to do it. Holy Spirit help me to hear the promises that you are speaking to me.