"Grace for Times of Trouble"

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1 Peter 5:5-7

Trouble is an ever-present reality in our world, and there is no way for any of us to totally escape its grip. How do you respond when difficulty pays you a visit? Do you attempt to escape or stoically endure? Are you one who suffers in silence, or do you let everyone know about your hardship?

As believers in Jesus Christ, we usually turn immediately to the Lord, praying that He will change the situation and release us from its clutches. That is exactly what Paul did regarding his "thorn in the flesh." On three different occassions, he asked for it to be removed; however, Gods final answer was that the thorn would remain.

When the Lord says no to our requests for relief, He says yes to something even greater--His all-sufficient grace. There is no thorn too big for Him to handle in this way. Our loving heavenly Father will never give you a trial without also supplying His abundant strength to endure it. The sufferings that God allows in our life are given to us for His good purpose. The apostle's thorn was designed to provide him with precisely what he needed: humility. The Lord has the same care and concern for you that He had for Paul, and His intention is for your benefit.


BE  A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER

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