Moment by moment, day by day, and year by year our character is formed. Each decision we make can have eternal consequences. Where we go. With whom we associate. What we see. What we do. Are we honest? Is our speech seasoned with salt? Are we kind? Are we forgiving, or do we retaliate when wronged? Do we stand for what is right or are we insouciant? Will we become students of His Word? Will we adhere to truth? Will we be Christians? Will we be faithful? Whom will we marry? Will he or she help us get to heaven? Decisions. Everything we do can bear a consequence on where we spend eternity, for all will be brought into the judgment.
And just as Paul was given strength for his thorn in the side, we too will be given strength to meet the challenges of this temporal life. God will never leave us nor forsake those whom are faithful to Him.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6)
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw night, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; . . . . ” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
“No person is strong unless he is strong on the inside. This is the stamina that comes from God. God’s best blessings come to the inward being, the real me. Sometimes He does not change the outward circumstances for us, but does strengthen us inwardly to meet them. He did for Paul. He granted him the grace to bear the thorn in his flesh. He said to him: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9). This allowed Paul to master his ills and circumstances. Tested by beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, robbers, false brethren, weariness, painfulness, hunger, thirst, cold and nakedness, he was conqueror (II Corinthians 11:24-28).
No person is defeated unless he has lost heart. If God gives fortitude, then a man should ever be triumphant over the opposing circumstances. Truly – “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength . . . I will strengthen thee; they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought” (Isaiah 40:31-41:12). ~ Leroy Brownlow
The answers to all of life’s problems come from His Word, but it is up to us to mine the Book to find the answers. It takes time and study. Will we make the time?
“You have to start with the truth. The truth is the only way that we can get anywhere. Because any decision-making that is based upon lies or ignorance can’t lead to a good conclusion.” ~ Assange
Eileen Light