Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Compass: SHARE what God has given! (LISTEN HERE)
Faith and life intersect.
The longer we walk with Jesus, the more we realize that every aspect of our life has his hand guiding it and his truth affecting it. It makes a difference that we follow Jesus, because Jesus makes a difference in our life. He gives us hope, perspective, truth, and promises to guide us through the difficulties of life.
For last Sunday’s sermon, I found a list of the 10 most common difficulties that people face in life (from 2021 – but probably hasn’t changed much!). In looking at each of the difficulties, each one is an opportunity for us to see Jesus more clearly or for us to share Jesus into the life of someone going through that difficulty. For our devotion today, I give you the difficulty of life and the word of hope and promise Jesus gives. If that word of promise is for you today, great. If not for you, perhaps you know someone going through the difficulty which God is giving you this word for you to share. Faith and life intersect and God will use you to intersect faith with the life of another.
Difficulty: Health Crisis:
Promise: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Difficulty: Workplace Issues:
Start working for a different purpose! Colossians 3:22-24 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Difficulty: Feeling of Emptiness:
Refocus on what fills our soul: Psalm 126:2-4 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
Difficulty: Friendship Issues:
A friend who doesn’t disappoint: Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Difficulty: Failure:
Failure happens, but doesn’t define us: Hebrews 10:14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Difficulty: Financial Crisis:
A needed perspective: Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Difficulty: Career Pressure:
Reminder…you’re not alone! Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Difficulty: Injustice and Unfair Treatment:
Promise: God will sort it out…you don’t have to. Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Difficulty: Inner Peace:
Look for peace in a different place…John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Difficulty: Mental Health Issues:
While mental health is taken seriously and sometimes needs extra help, remember the hope and perspective Jesus gives…1 Peter 1:3-9 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade… 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Apply: Can you think of one person in your sphere of influence that is going through one of these difficulties? How can God use today’s devotion to help prepare you to share your faith into their life?
Prayer: Lord thank you for every word of truth you have given to us. Let us continue to let you share your love and truth into our lives so we will always be prepared to share our faith into the lives of someone else. AMEN