The Key to Enduring Hardship
Romans 8:1-6 (New American Standard Bible)
Romans 8
Deliverance from Bondage
1)Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2)For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
3)For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4)so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5)For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6)For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Yesterday we looked at the life of a man who kept his focus on the Lord. Joseph learned the principle behind Romans 8:28 long before Paul wrote it down: God works everything for the believer’s good. Our responsibility is to keep our eyes on Him instead of looking fearfully at circumstances.
The Father promises to love (Rom. 5:8), provide for (2 Cor. 9:8), and guide His children (Prov. 16:9). Risk-free and pain-free lives are not part of the guarantee. Instead, the Holy Spirit accompanies saints through trials and provides strength, wisdom, and courage. I counsel with people who can think up 25 reasons why God’s assurances do not apply to their situation. But I can give one solid reason to believe: Wavering faith does not negate a single promise of God’s. If you turn your eyes to Him, He will bring you safely through hardship.
When our hearts and minds are agitated because of turbulent events, it’s hard not to stare at circumstances in horror or confusion. But we must decide to believe what the Bible says about who God is and what He will do. That choice forces our attention off the storm and onto the One responsible for ushering us safely through. In His presence, fears dwindle and doubts dissolve to be replaced by peace and a sense of oneness with the Lord.
Note that I did not say the hardship ends when we call upon the Lord. We must be willing to state, “This is where God wants me.” He has a reason for you to face discomfort and trial—as well as a way to grow you through it. Whatever the situation, the safest place in the world is the center of His will.
(In Touch Daily Devotional)
Romans 8
Deliverance from Bondage
1)Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2)For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
3)For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,
4)so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5)For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6)For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,
Yesterday we looked at the life of a man who kept his focus on the Lord. Joseph learned the principle behind Romans 8:28 long before Paul wrote it down: God works everything for the believer’s good. Our responsibility is to keep our eyes on Him instead of looking fearfully at circumstances.
The Father promises to love (Rom. 5:8), provide for (2 Cor. 9:8), and guide His children (Prov. 16:9). Risk-free and pain-free lives are not part of the guarantee. Instead, the Holy Spirit accompanies saints through trials and provides strength, wisdom, and courage. I counsel with people who can think up 25 reasons why God’s assurances do not apply to their situation. But I can give one solid reason to believe: Wavering faith does not negate a single promise of God’s. If you turn your eyes to Him, He will bring you safely through hardship.
When our hearts and minds are agitated because of turbulent events, it’s hard not to stare at circumstances in horror or confusion. But we must decide to believe what the Bible says about who God is and what He will do. That choice forces our attention off the storm and onto the One responsible for ushering us safely through. In His presence, fears dwindle and doubts dissolve to be replaced by peace and a sense of oneness with the Lord.
Note that I did not say the hardship ends when we call upon the Lord. We must be willing to state, “This is where God wants me.” He has a reason for you to face discomfort and trial—as well as a way to grow you through it. Whatever the situation, the safest place in the world is the center of His will.
(In Touch Daily Devotional)
