The Silver Lining in Every Cloud
I was breaking bread with someone yesterday and we talked about a trial that they were going through. I felt so terrible for what they were enduring, it was like a dark cloud was just hanging over them. It seemed like there was so little that I could do in the flesh, outside of what I could do with my friend who could help out in any and every situation. So I prayed.
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Scripture:
“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” – 1 Corinthians 9:22,23
Observation/Application:
When I read this scripture and consider Paul’s life, it’s not like he planned to become all things to all people as far as I could tell. It seems to me that Paul just followed God’s plan for him. Then, at the right time, God revealed to him exactly whatever he needed at that moment. Before the ship sank, before appearing before kings and queens, and on the road to Damascus, Paul had to face plenty of trials in his life to become all things to all people.
It’s how Paul responded to these trials that made the difference. He prayed, and listened, and trusted the Lord and followed him always. Paul lays out a great example for us not only in the letters that he writes, but in the way that he lived. He responded with self-discipline and strict training, and ran his life in such a way that he could win the prize.
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And the silver lining in it all was that through Paul’s hardship, he gained a deeper perspective and understanding that allowed him to connect with people on so many levels. So often we curse God, get mad at him, or at least get frustrated and start to doubt when things get tough. But if we stay faithful and true, God who is faithful and just will deliver us. And he will take what the enemy intended for harm and use it for good, and for his glory!
What challenges are we facing today? Maybe we have some severe issues similar to what Job faced when lost his whole family, all of his belongings, and even his health. Or maybe we are stressed about something at work, or with someone we love. No matter what the trouble, there is no problem too big for our God. Turn to Him, draw close, seek Him in all that we do, and He will always come through. For even if our flesh fails us, there is life eternal through our Lord Jesus Christ.
May God bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord look upon you with favor, hold you in His arms, and give you rest and peace, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Draw us close to you Lord. Fill us with your strength and power. Fill us with your love and grace. Fill us with your peace, and joy, and rest. Lift us up, encourage us, refresh us, and make us new. Help us to speak life and not defeat Lord. Help us to be more diligent in the words that we let fall from our lips. When everything in life seems to be against us, when things get tough, and when we get tired and beat down, strengthen us Lord For everything comes from You. Help us to seek you first Lord. Guide our every step, our every word, our every thought. We surrender to you lord. We turn everything over to You! For when we are weak, you are strong. Help us to see the silver lining in every cloud, and through every storm. We praise you always, in the storm all the more. We give you all the honor and glory, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
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