Source of Strength
Jillian Bell (Ontario, Canada)




TODAY'S READING
2 Corinthians 4:1-15


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
In life’s struggles, I can lean on the strength of my Creator and Redeemer


PRAYER FOCUS
For trust in God’s strength




We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)


Sometimes it seems like everything is going wrong all at once — as if the world is collapsing around us. When life is going awry, it can be easy to fall into despair. Personally, this tempts me to numb myself with overeating or watching too much TV and to neglect my regular prayer time.

But scripture gives us another answer. It tells us that our weakness is made perfect by God’s strength. The very fact that we can become distressed by the burdens of life shows that it is not our own strength that helps us endure. Christians do not have more willpower or grit than non-believers. Rather, it is the power of our mighty God that helps us to persist.

When we are pressed on every side, are perplexed or paralyzed by indecision, are persecuted for our faith, or are rejected and struck down, we need not despair — God promises that we will not be crushed and will never be abandoned. We can persevere in God’s strength and stand firm in the power of our loving Savior.



TODAY'S PRAYER
All-powerful God, we give you the hardships of this day. We pray that when we feel beaten down by life, we will remember that you are mightier than our problems. Amen.