During a recent visit at my mom’s, I noticed she has rekindled a passion for game shows. Growing up, I used to watch all sorts of game shows. I loved solving puzzles and answering riddles. It was fun to guess the answer before the contestants on TV. For a while, I even envisioned myself hosting a game show on television one day. I dug into the history of game shows and the people that hosted them. Turns out, many of them led troubled lives and for all the light they shone into the world, they lived in great darkness. Their lives were riddled with challenges and many of them couldn’t find the right answer to the difficulties they encountered.
I never became a game show host. However, I have encountered difficulties and challenges in my life.
They make night into day: The light, they say, is near to the darkness.
Job 17:12 ESV
Lately, life feels like I’m getting hit by 2 by 4s. Terri likely feels the same way.
We haven’t always known how to respond to the challenges we’ve faced. Oftentimes, we didn’t even have time to process one thing before another thing punched us in the gut.
Thankfully, the Bible offers profound wisdom and comfort for those seasons of life when we are overwhelmed from being metaphorically struck repeatedly by a “2 by 4.”
James 1:2-4 – Facing Trials with Joy
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
This passage encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity. It’s not the trial itself that brings joy, but the character and faith developed through it.
Romans 8:28 – God’s Purpose in Our Trials
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Even when we face a number of challenges, we can trust that God is sovereign and working everything for our ultimate good. This doesn’t mean all things are good, but that God can use even the difficult times for a greater purpose.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – Resilience in Adversity
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Paul’s shares a powerful testament to the resilience offered through faith in Christ. Despite the barrage of life’s “2 by 4s,” we are not overtaken because of the strength that is found in Jesus.
Psalm 46:1-3 – God, Our Refuge
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
This Psalm beautifully illustrates God’s unwavering support and protection in times of turmoil. It’s a reminder to not fear, regardless of how tumultuous the season may be.
Isaiah 43:2 – God’s Presence in Hardship
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
God promises His presence with us in every trial. This verse assures us that no matter the challenge, God is with us, providing a way through it without being overtaken.
In our personal study of God’s Word, we can delve deeper into each of these passages, contemplating how they apply to our current challenges we face. Where have we seen God’s truths play out in our own life or in the lives of others?
We can encourage one another with the hope and strength found in the Bible. Every trial is an opportunity to grow closer to Him and to each other in faith.
Until my next post…
God is good. All the time.
No matter what.
Know you are loved.
Praying for you. Praying for America.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
#JesusStrong
The Devotional Guy™ 