Blessings in the end

Today’s scripture:

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7)

I have heard people say that women can face a lot of things. Think of the pain and suffering of pregnancy and childbirth. I look at my wife and am amazed how much endurance she has. She is a mother to 6 children, a full-time student, a housewife, and all the burdens that come with running a household, not to mention the burdens of living with me. I think we all can go through anything as long as we know there is an end to it and a positive end at that.

The other day I was listening to this very up-beat song about Job and the troubles and trials he faced. The song lyrics said if we just ride out the troubles and keep our face towards God, we would be GARANTEED blessings in the end. However, with that being said, it is not up to us to determine when the troubles should be over with. We need to trust what God says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 … “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

I think it’s easy for us to look at this verse and think of temptation being anger, lust, or selfishness. But what about fear or lack of faith that God has us right where we need to be? Rather it’s temptation or horrible circumstances, we need to stand firm on God’s Word. If we do, we know the end… BLESSINGS!!!

Reflection:

Think of all the bad times that you may have gone through. Can you see how looking back on that, it may have seemed like it would last forever, but you did get through it. I think we need to not just try and focus our attention on the end being full of blessings but try and ask God what it is He wants you to learn from it as you go through it. You may not be where you are at as a result of God’s will. Rather, it maybe due to your own will, but the suffering even in that, God says you are in the right place because it is the suffering even in that should bring you to Him.

Challenge:

Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13 and keep this in mind the next time you are facing some very difficult trials or temptations or even circumstances from your own actions.

-Doug McGowan