I don't know about you...but the last number of months have been long and weary for me. Missing some of the things that I enjoy and look forward to the most! No family camp at Story book Lodge Christian Camp, no road trip for vacation, no DSDN Rockin Moms Retreat. It's usually those types of things that motivate and encourage me to press on through the difficult, trying or hard times, so I've grown extra weary from the effects of reduced human contact due to this whole pandemic that been going on. But as usual, I needed a reality check of where I find encouragement.
Today, while I checked in briefly on Facebook, a post at the top of my feed from the Down syndrome moms group I am in asked "What is a favourite quote/saying that helps you through a rough patch or keeps you going on great days?" Immediately, God brought to my mind two Bible passages that I draw encouragement from 2 Corinthians 4 and James 1. Of course, the post was likely looking for something shorter and the quote "If God brings you to it, He'll bring you through it" stuck in my mind, so I shared that.
So I just wanted to pop on and share some encouragement from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 with you. It's been a favorite passage of mine for a very long time and it really helped me through some tumultous times as a teen, so much so that I practically had it memorized. It redirects us to what is important. It is so easy to be sucked into the minutiae of day to day life and its struggles and become very short sighted. These verses invite us to take a step back and remember to look at the big picture, to focus on what is really important!
Verse 7 says "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us". Its not about us totally rockin' everything that comes at us...it's about God's glory and power being shown. If we were amazing and wonderful and rockin' it all, who would see God at work? And so, when God's power upholds us and renews us day by day, He gets the glory. And our light and momentary troubles are to allow us the opportunity to point people to Christ. So I encourage you to fix your eyes on the unseen and the eternal...and cling to Christ in the tough times, showing His faithfulness to those around you.
So that was my reminder today...as much as it's nice and even good, to have things to look forward to; I should be careful that I am not letting them take the place of seeking encouragement, and hope, and purpose from God. Otherwise I may turn those things into idols that take the place of God and that would not bring glory to my Saviour. I am still a work in progress and thankfully I have a Saviour that is patient with me and waits for me to grasp the lessons he has placed on my path to lead me to maturity in my faith!
I haven't asked you (my readers) for too much interaction, but if you have been encouraged, I'd love for you to drop a comment and let me know! What have you learned from 2 Corinthians 4? Have you been encouraged?
Maranatha...the Lord is coming soon!
I totally agree that it is good to have planned, positive activities to look forward to. I find that in the fullness of life, if I am not intentional about these things, they just don't really happen. However, yes, I also agree that this is not where my true security lies. Our Heavenly Father, who knows our need (even better than we do!), is there to guide us in His love and joy. I am thankful!