Sometimes we need to be reminded again to hold on to God’s promises, especially when we are in great despair and trials in life hit us. God’s promises will ensure that we set our affection on what’s above in heaven, not on the things of this world.
All things will eventually work out for the glory of God
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
During our suffering, this verse is powerful to show us no matter what we go through in life; God has to work it for good for His children.
In God’s plan and will, He may put us through these trials before He can bless us with the good things we are seeking. For example, we always pray and ask for health, but going through pain and endurance is part of the process that we need to overcome. We often perceive poor health as a process that will do us more harm than good.
We know that God detests sins, but sometimes He allows our committing of sins because He knows how He can use it for good. Our Heavenly Father gets glory even from the devil, who sets up his antichrist kingdom on earth, which is just a step to fulfilling the scripture.
God’s power and grace
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
We get the power of the Holy Spirit through weaknesses and pain. We often see great achievements or even a touch of God in certain people or pastors. It comes with a high cost and sacrifice. Why? Only by going through these tough times will we gain the glory and power of the Holy Ghost from God, sanctify us, strengthen our will so that we can do more and achieve more for the Lord.
Do we choose discomfort but be blessed with the power of God? Or a comfortable worldly life, but no power from God at all? The great promise that God gives us is not just power but also grace. Nevertheless, power comes with suffering too. His grace is what helps us to continue to press on.
Think Happy Thoughts
Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Apart from God’s grace, what continues to strengthen us is a dose of happy thoughts through the word of God. Most people always focus on a few bad things in life, but as a matter of fact, we should let the happy things in our lives outweigh the negative ones. Think about our eternal salvation, the privilege to be in a Bible-believing community, opportunities to worship God together, and not to mention the food on our table.
Stop being too careful
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
We need to take precautions to a certain extent, but if we constantly think about solving the problem, then we can’t help but be worried or, worse still, becoming fearful. This passage combined with other Bible verses, tells us that we need to do our best for the Lord, but after that comes submission. Submission means fully surrendering the result to God because He has full control of the outcome; we don’t. This will give us the peace that we have been longing for.
We know that all these are God’s promises. Knowing that our Father is a holy and righteous God, He cannot lie. So it means these promises are for real and to be kept until the day of redemption.