Topic: In Tough Times, Cling to Christ [RICK WARREN Devotional 3 JULY 2023]
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In Tough Times, Cling to Christ
“Now that the worst is over, we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact, and can face the world—and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high. But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part. It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised.”
2 Corinthians 1:12 (MSG)
When life feels overwhelming or chaotic, it can be hard to know what to hold on to. But there’s one thing that never changes and is always trustworthy: God’s unchanging character.
No matter what is happening in or around you, God’s grace is still in full force. He is still for you, even when you don’t feel it.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:12, “Now that the worst is over, we’re pleased we can report that we’ve come out of this with conscience and faith intact, and can face the world—and even more importantly, face you with our heads held high. But it wasn’t by any fancy footwork on our part. It was God who kept us focused on him, uncompromised” (MSG).
How can you face whatever is in front of you with confidence in God’s grace and come out of difficult circumstances with your faith intact? Here are three ways:
Lean on Christ for stability. The Bible says, “Such a man . . . does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him” (Psalm 112:6-7 TLB).
Listen to Christ for direction. He will always lead you toward a good future: “‘I know what I am planning for you,’ says the LORD. ‘I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NCV).
Look to Christ for salvation. The Bible promises that Jesus will always be there to help you: “He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2 NCV).
Times of crisis offer you the chance to shift your dependence to something that can never be taken from you: God and his unchanging character. You may lose your home, career, marriage, or health, but you will never, ever lose your relationship with God.
Raymond Edman, one of Billy Graham’s mentors, once said, “Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.”
These things are eternally true: God is good, he loves you, he is with you, he knows what you’re going through, he cares, and he has a good plan for your life. He will never leave you or forsake you. That’s an eternal security you can build your life on.
Talk It Over
- In the good times of your life, what have you learned about God and his love for you?
- How will those truths help you get through the difficult seasons of your life?
- When you start to doubt God’s faithfulness, what promises from his Word can encourage you?
Will you believe God’s promise today?
The Bible says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 CSB).
Are you ready to trust God to fulfill his promise of eternal life? If so, start by praying this simple prayer: “Dear God, I believe Jesus Christ is your Son. I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
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