Tag: God’s Strength

Afflictions, Trials, and Heartaches

by markjemilbooth, posted in Christian Life, God's Attributes, Prayer

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Afflictions, trials, and heartaches are all part of this life. We never choose to enter into the storms of life, but they come. They may occur suddenly or gradually, but all the same, we must deal with the afflictions that come our way. What are we to do in the day of tribulation and heartache? Jeremiah, the prophet, shares an answer from God. “O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction.” (Jeremiah 16:19) God shows us three truths about Himself that bring hope amid our trials. 

1. God gives us His strength to endure the storms of life. (My strength) Trials and heartaches have a way of weakening our resolve to move forward with life. Our energy has disappeared. We want to quit. However, God tells us amid our weakness, His strength is always there. God says to the Apostle Paul in his time of weakness: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

2. God gives us His protection to stay faithful to Him during the storms of life. (My fortress) The fortress shows stability and security. During our afflictions, we are tempted to depart from the Lord. However, the Lord keeps us firm in our walk with Him. We may stumble, but He will not allow us to fall. 

3. God gives us His refuge for rest and hope amid the storm. (My refuge) In the midst of our trials, we can become weary. We feel that we have nowhere to go. The affliction causes worry and anxiety. God says to us in our weariness: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:29) God’s rest is available. Are we ready to lay our weary souls in His loving arms?

A Prayer. “Dear Father, I did not seek this heartache that is an unwelcome guest in my life. I know that I can not handle this storm on my own. I feel weak, vulnerable, and anxious. You alone can take me through this trial. I look up to you as my strength, my fortress, and my refuge. Thank you for holding my hand as I go through this challenging time in my life. Please help me to glorify your name because of all that you are doing in my life. Amen”

 

Four Great Promises to Conquer Fear (Isaiah 41:10)

by markjemilbooth, posted in Christian Life, God's Attributes

 “What’s wrong with you Mark?”  This was almost a weekly question from Mrs. Randall, the nurse at Midland Elementary School.  Every Tuesday, I would literally develop an upset stomach because I was afraid to go to swimming class.  My fear of water was affecting me both emotionally and physically.  This fear would not abate until later in my life.

Fear comes in many forms, but it still has the same effect.  Our fears can dominate us spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically.  As our fears increase, our faith in God decreases.  We lose confidence in His promises, presence and power.  Fear keeps us from enjoying our daily walk with God and others.

Isaiah 41:10 gives us four great promises from God that enable us to conquer whatever fear is crippling our lives.  “Fear thou not; for 1) I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:2) I will strengthen thee; yea, 3) I will help thee; yea,4) I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”  

1. When I am lonely, He promises his presence.  He will never leave me. How can I be fearful, if I know that my loving Father is with me?

2. When I am weak and feel that I can’t continue, He will strengthen me. How can I be fearful when I remember that: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)? He will give me His strength to bear whatever comes into my life.

3. When I am in need of spiritual, emotional or physical help, He will help me.  How can I be fearful when I know that I am not facing this situation by myself?  The Lord is right there with me.  He is my help no matter how fearful the future is.

4. When I stumble or fall, He will pick me up.
How can I be fearful when I know that God will pick me up when I fall or stumble?  When Peter sinned, stumbled and fell, Jesus picked him up and restored him.  Our fear of failure often keeps us from moving forward in our spiritual lives.  This promise assures us that when we stumble, God is right there to keep us going.

In times of great fear, He is there.  God is greater than any fear that may be dominating our lives. He is our God. He will never forsake us.  The decision is ours.  Will I allow God to conquer my fears with His presence, promises, strength and great patience; or will I continue to allow my life to be controlled by my fears?  “Lord, help me to believe your promises.  May I  know that you are greater than any fear that is dominating my life.  Thank you for your presence and power that conquer my fears. Amen”

Note: A special thanks to Karla Da Silva for the photo.  The photo was taken
at Waterfall Gully in South Australia.