It won’t always be easy, but it can still be good

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “The Great Adventure”

Our Bible verse for today: “Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “It won’t always be easy, but it can still be good”

In his very good and helpful book, “Life After Loss: A practical guide to renewing your life after experiencing major loss,” professional grief counselor Bob Deits’ primary audience are those who have lost a spouse to death, especially in later life after many years of marriage. But he also notes that sooner or later everyone will be faced with major loss of some kind at some point in life:

“There is no question about avoiding loss associated with later life – we can’t. But we can choose the attitude we will take toward those losses and the manner in which we will respond to them. Choosing to be a victim means being passive and feeling helpless to do anything about the loss. Choosing to be a survivor means being assertive and realistic without giving up hope. Survivors take responsibility for their own future. They face challenges head on … Survivors ask, “How can I get the most out of life, regardless of circumstances?”

That’s an essential attitude for all of us, regardless of age and regardless of what we are currently experiencing. Will you be a victim or a victor? Will you resolve to get the most out of life regardless of the circumstances you are faced with? Jesus wants us to be victors and the Holy Spirit will help us to do it.

Perseverance is a major theme in the New Testament. This adventure of living the Christian life is often hard – there’s no getting around that. Difficulties, sickness, death, and all the normal problems and challenges of life come to Christians and non-Christians alike. The difference should be found in how we Christians handle those challenges.

Throughout this study about the great adventure of living the Christian life we have learned that the Bible teaches us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus; rely on the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us; remember that God is sovereign over all the circumstances of life; and then press on. Live with confidence, determination, and courage. Persist and persevere. Don’t give up. And remember, “Trying times produce great men and great women.” Trying times produce great Christians who, together with Jesus, live victoriously while dealing with difficult and often painful circumstances.

Life won’t always be easy, but it can still be good. As we conclude this study of “The Great Adventure” I encourage us all to enjoy the adventure and resolve to live life fully.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply