Finding Strength in Good Times and in Bad Times

2 Corinthians 12:10

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

When our family relationships are at the breaking point, when the bill collectors are knocking at our door or when serious afflictions are threatening us, we run to Jesus for a supernatural remedy to our maladies.  When we are weak and near defeat, perhaps even near death, we run to Jesus for His grace to strengthen us and comfort us as we go through our trials. 

He promises to be our strength in every one of our times of weakness or trial.  He promises to lighten our burdens as we surrender to His yoke.  It is during these times that we feel His presence so clearly.  It is during these times of pain that we experience the fullness of His love.  It becomes a blessing to have tribulation in our lives.

Unfortunately without trial, we tend to lean away from God.  We tend to move out of His presence.  We tend to let the joy of life overshadow the true and perfect joy that is available to us through an ongoing, intimate relationship with Our Savior.  

As we enjoy the blessings that we have been provided in our lives, let us be mindful of the presence and power of Jesus Christ.  Let us turn to Him for our strength even in the good times.  Let us allow Jesus to be our all-sufficient Lord.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promise to perfect Your strength in our weakness.  We thank You for the comfort of knowing that You are always there.  We praise You for providing Your Son, Jesus, so that through Him and in Him we can experience the fullness of Your love.  Help us, Father, to find contentment in all things as we seek to live in Your shadow and not under the influence of the world.  We pray, Lord, that Your Holy Spirit will inspire us to develop an ongoing, intimate relationship with Your Son that is not affected by our circumstances.  We ask all these things in the name of Our Rock and Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.