Although it does seem hard to understand, there is a place for some of the answers to some of the questions you have. I hope to encourage you to read some of my recent study, encouraging you to see what God may reveal specific to you. In return, I hope that you share what God is opening up to you through Scripture with those around you, if they're willing to hear it. Sharing the joy that we find when earnestly seeking God is a great way to inspire others to seek Him, too.
As much as we tend to share about our reading of the Bible, even if it seems as though the words are specific to our answers we had been looking for, sharing those testimonies allows for others to be encouraged. While some of our answers feel tailored specific to our situation, sharing with another, God allows them to hear it as they need to apply it to their life. If God urges us to share, it can allow us to speak to another's spirit, allowing them to share in your victory without the need to experience a possible similar failure.
3And not only so , but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4and patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:3-5 KJV
Just as Jesus chose twelve disciples, I believe it shows each of them describing Jesus differently. From their own perspectives, each disciple captures a different view of Jesus' ministry or of His miracles. Similarly, when hearing our testimonies of God working in our life, you may inspire others to make it through their struggles. As anyone of us can testify to, hope is important in any struggle. It's also encouraging to hear when someone else battled through something that you are currently dealing with or have overcome!
Although hope is often grasped for during times of struggle, faith can substitute, or be meshed together if you practice faiths that encourage the merger of the two. Though they are closely related, there is a way they can actually work together.
For one, faith that God does work ahead of us allows for us to build hope for it to work out as God intended, even if we do not understand it at the time.
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Immediately following this, the writer lists through several instances of faith described throughout the Bible. Examining back through the trails of faith between humans and God, where moved by fear, passion, love or freedom, each individual has brought us to a new level of a promise. Though we do continue to improve our lives throughout our world, the true promise is met once this world has passed away. So, though this world does seem dreary at times, cold even, know that was it created with an intent for good. While it seems that graphic trauma gets the headline, know that your Creator is still working in the midst.
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD ; Neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV
Though the challenge you face may be beyond my comprehension, it is not beyond God. While we overwhelm ourselves with the worries of the world, we cannot overwhelm God. Even when the tears do not stop falling, they do not fall unnoticed - God sees them. Moreso, God will strengthen you, pull you through that challenge, then give you a platform to encourage others beyond it. Regardless of the literal platform you stand on to testify and glorify God, sharing with those nearest to you with the platform and foundation of your faith in God can grow the Kingdom of God.
My prayer I hope to encourage you to share with me this week:
"Creator of all, Heavenly Father, we honor You today and glorify You for all that we have overcome with Your mercy and grace. Thank You for building a foundation of faith in Your followers, allowing us to encourage others to seek You. Please continue to guide and order our steps to walk closer with You, God. Keep us close to You in times of challenge, encouraging us to share those feats joyfully with those that need encouragement to seek You, thru Jesus. Bless us with Your peace, reflecting Your Son's grace and mercy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
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