In the midst of an unexpected snowfall, a rose struggles to bloom. Often, the quirks of nature are much like our own struggles in life,
sudden, harsh, and unpredictable.We frequently find ourselves struggling in the midst of adversity of one sort or another. Our troubles may even bring us to the point of giving up. Things seem hopeless. We have nothing within us to continue the struggle. For, on our own, sin has the upper hand and we are robbed of our true strength, the strength of a right, or righteous, relationship with our Creator.
"...O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me." (Psalm 22:19 NIV)
Those words express our weariness, frustration, even despair. Yet, like the rose pictured above, even in seemingly impossible situations, there is strength given to us. The Psalms urge us to remember the true source of strength. "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
God Himself gives us the strength necessary to face troubles and hardships. Only God
overcomes the hopelessness of our struggles with sin. God personally gives His promise of
strength, through faith in the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Jesus
alone; "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." (Psalm 18:32 NIV)
God's Word expresses so well, the promised strength we receive from Him, strength to
"bloom" so to speak, even in the midst of difficult times.
"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."
(Psalm 29:11 NIV)
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 NIV) "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my
strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Salvation, God's forgiveness, strength and eternal life, is freely and loving given to each person through faith in Jesus. This is a promise God made long ago, an eternal promise that always remains for us. This promise from God, is a living promise, ours through the life of Jesus Christ. God says of Jesus; "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth." (Micah 5:4 NIV)
In response to God's graciousness toward us in Jesus, the Apostle Paul wrote; "I can do
everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13 NIV) This doesn't mean
that we are protected from all harm. Also, it doesn't mean that we will be spared from
harsh and unexpected times of adversity or struggle. No, Paul meant that in all we face,
especially the struggles, God has promised that He is with us, never to leave us or forsake
us. Therefore, the things we do during our struggles, we do with the help of the LORD.
For, it is His strength that sees us through.
A life of faith in the Lord is a life that declares; "The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him
in song." (Psalm 28:7 NIV)
