“Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”(2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NASB)
How many times do we ask God to take away our problems? How many times has He answered with “no.” Paul asked for a burden to be lifted not once but three times, signifying his earnestness in seeking relief. Yet God still said “no,” not because He’s mean or wants to withhold deliverance from us for some vindictive purpose. God allows difficulty in our lives so that we can grow and mature; exposing our weakness and forcing us to rely on Him and His power. Paul was content to rely on God for strength to live with his difficulty and we must do the same. Whether it’s physical, mental, spiritual, or any other situation or hardship, we must remember to rely on God first and foremost.
When difficulty times come out way, the question we should ask is: what can I learn from this, not simply: when will this be over?
Please be encouraged and remember that in every situation God is with us. In dark times and times of joy, He loves us and wants to see us grow and rely on Him.
R. S. Gullett 