When Life Has You Down...Let God Pick You Up! (Part 3)

Welcome, and thank you for joining me in Part 3 of this series titled, "When Life Has You Down...Let God Pick You Up!" If you recall, we began this discussion (Part 1) learning what we need to do in order to get ourselves back on track after something happens to knock us into the pits! Subsequently, in the second installment (Part 2), we learned about some things we can do to strengthen our walk with God. This is important because we have a very strong enemy who would like nothing better than to keep us in a weak, and saddened state with God. We need to be serious and committed in order to fight back!

Today, in the conclusion of this series, we will talk about the importance of "seeing the work of God." After all, one of the greatest incentives to walking in continuous victory is to be able to see the Lord at work all around us!

I would like to present three thoughts to this. They are:

a. The Grace We Now Enjoy
b. The Grief We Must Endure
c. The Glory We Will Experience

First, let's look at "The Grace We Now Enjoy." While we journey through difficult days, while we fight the devil day by day, while we face those times when we are burdened with worries and cares, always remember that God's grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). Notice that he did not say that He would lift every load. He did not say that He would flatten every hill. He did not say that He would smooth out every rough spot. However, He did say that He would change you in the middle of your difficulty so that you could be successful in your walk with Him. There is grace for every trial, every mile, and for everything we face as we go throught life. Thank God for matchless, marvelous, priceless, and boundless grace!

Secondly, let's look at "The Grief We Must Endure." 1 Peter 5:10 makes it clear that there will be difficulties along the road of life from time to time. That is the reality of it! The word "suffer" bears this out for us. Jesus himself said it would be so (John 16:33). Even Job knew that there would be difficult times in our lives (Job 14:1). Remember, God only had one Son Who did not sin, but He has no sons that do not suffer!

Keep in mind that even when life is a veil of tears for us, we have the Lord's promise of His presence (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20); His provision (Philippians 4:19); His power (Matthew 28:18); and His Promotion (John 14:1-3). So, let's run the race of life with patience, always looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith! Why? Because He has already run the race and He knows the way!

Finally, let's look at "The Glory We Will Experience." 1 Peter 5:10 tells us that when the suffering days are over, there are glory days ahead! Notice what the Lord says here: He will make us perfect, establish us, strengthen us, and settle us. When will this take place? When we leave this world, we are going to a land where the things which trouble us now are not allowed to enter (Revelation 21:27). A place where the trials of the way and the tears of the way are all wiped away forever (Revelation 21:4). A place where trials and burdens are replaced with glory and peace (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). A place where the devil cannot follow and where the Lord is the light. Yes, we are going to a place where troubles and trials can no longer afflict the children of God. I look forward to that day!

In conclusion, is your life in the pits? If so, there is a way out! I'd like you to ask yourself the following questions. Please give them your sincere thought and consideration. "Am I surrendering to God?"; "Am I sending my worries to God?"; Am I strengthening my walk with God?"; "Am I seeing the work of God?" If you answered "no" to any of these questions, may I suggest something? Why not come to God today and get that area of your life straightened out? There is peace in Jesus. There is power in Jesus. You CAN get your life out of the pits today if you will do it God's way!

Prayer:

Father, I pray for all those in need, for all of my friends and my family. I pray for your strength to see us all through, when life is the hardest and when times are good. Amen

God bless you,

Darlene