One of the surest signs of growing spiritual maturity is the evidence of faith in the storms.
Millions of Christians are suffering financially now alongside an even larger contingent of non-Christians who have lost jobs or homes or cars or all of the above.
Being out of work for many months or even for years is brutally hurtful to so many who have abilities to serve, but no suitable opportunity because of how millions of jobs have been sent overseas.
The national thirst for the “cheaper, cheaper, cheaper” has seemingly torpedoed the economic future for a huge slice of our population.
So how can a Christian, particularly one lacking a paycheck, preserve a godly attitude during such tough times?
By reading the Bible daily and praying about the lessons it contains, that’s how.
Here is a passage from today’s installment in the One-Year Bible:
“My days have passed, my plans are shattered. Yet the desires of my heart turn night into day; in the face of the darkness light is near.”
Who said this? Job did (17:11-12).
We all know the hell he went through with incredibly difficult losses and then with multiple onslaughts of hurtful criticism by several self-righteous peers.
Though it was really, really bad, Job never lost sight of God’s promise.
In the darkest of his nights, in the most painful of his heart’s sufferings, he found strength that a morning of deliverance and blessing was coming.
He didn’t know when, but he knew it would.
Listen, when you are pullled down so hard by circumstances that you’re tempted to believe you’ll never be able to get up, remember Job.
If faith could turn his night into day, if he could hope for morning in the mourning, then you and I can do the same.
Light is near, my friend.
In fact, nurturing hope for a brighter day is just a prayer away.
As always, I love you
Martin
