Every meaningful relationship results in disappointment at some point or another; someone always messes up. It's just part of the human condition.
But to live within the will of God is to seek reconciliation when this happens, and it's usually best if the one who messed up takes the initiative.
Oddly enough, in our relationship with God, that initiative has been taken by God. Now what shall we do in response?
So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
A friend once shared with me as I was going through a challenging time, “Let God show you how resilient you can be.” My response: “I’m tired of being a rubber band!”
Jesus never promised that following him would be easy. Actually, he reminded his disciples over and over that it would be incredibly challenging. This journey we are on is filled with challenges. Standing strong is easy to talk about but hard to do. Paul reminds us in today’s passage that we don’t do so alone. First, we aren’t the first to be challenged. Second, God is faithful – able to stand strong and hold us up when we aren’t quite able to do so ourselves.
So as you travel the path today, remember that you aren’t the first who is facing a challenge, and that you are never alone.
Kerri Peterson-Davis
Strong God, give me stamina to stand up for you today. Whatever comes my way in the day ahead, remind me that I am not alone, and that you will give me strength to respond in faith. Amen.
Don't be afraid.
Reaching out to God for forgiveness
is nothing to fear.
God is already reaching out to you
with nothing but love.