Sunday Devotion and Prayer – June 4, 2023

                              Sunday Devotion and Prayer. June 4, 2023
                           “Navigating Our Unchanging Circumstances“

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.” – 2 Corinthians 4:8-12

In 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 Paul reminds us that though we may think we are at the end of our rope, we are never at the end of our hope. Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and suffering, but God never abandons us. Because Christ has won the victory over death, we can have eternal life. All our risks, humiliations, and trials are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence in and through us. We must ask ourselves, Could I handle the suffering and opposition that Paul did? The drive for success in human terms can ruin effective ministry. From an earthly perspective, Paul was not very successful during his lifetime. However, God worked through him mightily and used him to impact countless lives for Christ. Like Paul, we must carry out our own ministries, looking to God for strength. When opposition, slander, or disappointment threatens to rob you of victory, remember that no one can destroy what God has accomplished through you.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You that despite our unanswered questions on earth, our eternity is secure because of Jesus’ work on the cross. Thank You that You are with us; because of You, we can remain steady. Thank You that Your love for us is patient, kind, and not easily angered. Thank You that Your love endures, hopes, and bears all things. I pray that You would help us to love like You. Help us to be long-suffering. Help us to wait on You. You promise that You are good to those who wait on You (Lamentations 3:26).

Lord, thank You for Your goodness toward us; help us to be more like You. I pray that our eyes are fixed on You, not our circumstances. Please help us to be faithful. Help us to rely on You for our strength. Please be our song in the night and our joy in the morning. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!