Life should not be lived alone. God has called us to help others, whether they are friends, neighbors, family, or strangers, through tough times. We are to carry one another’s burdens in this life together.
In these next moments, think about those around you, those with whom you live. How could you help them as they struggle?
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Everyone has their own way of getting through their “give-up moments.” If you can get through your weakest moments, you begin to feel better even before the trial ends. Any marathon runner will tell you that the miles somewhere between 18 and 23 are much harder than the last mile. Once we realize we are close to finishing something hard, we find strength and can make it to the end.
When we endure we also change. We add something to our souls. The strength we find at our weakest moments does not leave us at the finish line. It is now part of us. This strength is what the Bible calls perseverance. It is a gift we receive when we dare to keep going. It is a gift we will have forever.
Patricia Lyons
Lord Jesus, you knew you would be rejected and tortured and yet you accepted God’s will. Help me to know your presence in my own trials and to believe that you will be with me always. Amen.
Life together means we care for those who are hurting. We embrace those who are going through tough times. We remind others, “You are not alone. I will never leave you.” We also remind others of the promise of God to never leave them or forsake them, even in the midst of a storm.
Go today with the confidence you have in God’s presence and be the presence of God in someone’s life today.