Month: July 2025

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns that often leave us wondering why we face such difficulties. But what if these challenges serve a greater purpose? What if our struggles are actually shaping us into who we’re meant to be?

The book of Romans offers profound insights into this very question. It reminds us that we have been “declared righteous by faith” and now have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This righteousness isn’t earned through our own efforts, but freely given when we place our trust in Jesus. It’s a gift that transforms our relationship with God from one of enmity to one of peace.

But this gift of righteousness doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. In fact, the Bible encourages us to “rejoice in our afflictions.” At first glance, this seems counterintuitive. Who rejoices in suffering? Yet there’s a profound reason behind this seemingly paradoxical advice:

“We know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.”

This progression reveals the hidden purpose behind our trials. Each difficulty we face has the potential to strengthen us, building our spiritual and emotional muscles. Just as a runner trains for a marathon, our struggles prepare us for the long journey of life.

Consider the story of Buddy McCormick, a man who exemplified this truth. Shot in the face during World War II at just 18 years old, Buddy endured a lifetime of physical challenges. Yet even in his final years, confined to a nursing home bed, he constantly thanked God for his sufferings. Why? Because he recognized that through his trials, God had found him faithful and was using his life to touch others.

Buddy’s story challenges us to shift our perspective on hardship. Instead of asking “Why me?” we can begin to ask, “What is this teaching me? How can God use this for good?”

This doesn’t mean we should seek out suffering or minimize the very real pain we experience. Rather, it invites us to look beyond the immediate circumstances to the bigger picture God is painting with our lives.

The Bible assures us that this hope “will not disappoint us because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” The presence of the Holy Spirit within believers serves as a down payment, a guarantee of God’s promises. Just as you might put a down payment on a car, fully intending to return and claim it, God has placed His Spirit within us as a pledge of His commitment to us.

This hope becomes our anchor in life’s storms. It reminds us that our current struggles are not the end of the story. There’s something greater waiting for us, a future where God will make all things new.

But this hope isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. Our journey through affliction to endurance to character to hope becomes a powerful testimony. It’s a “gospel message” in itself, showing others the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

Think about your own life story. What challenges have you faced? How have they shaped you? Your experiences, both the triumphs and the trials, have uniquely equipped you to encourage others. God wants to use you – yes, you – to share hope with a hurting world.

This truth applies regardless of age or circumstances. From the youngest child to the oldest senior, God has a purpose for each life. The question is: are we willing to let Him use us?

It’s easy to disqualify ourselves, thinking we’re not good enough, holy enough, or knowledgeable enough to be used by God. But remember, it’s not about our qualifications. It’s about our willingness to say “yes” when God calls.

The Bible encourages us to “be prepared to give an explanation for the hope that you have.” This doesn’t mean having all the answers or being able to win theological debates. It simply means being ready to share your story – how you’ve experienced God’s love and faithfulness in your own life.

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “But I don’t feel very hopeful right now.” That’s okay. Hope isn’t always a feeling; sometimes it’s a choice. It’s deciding to trust God even when we can’t see the way forward. It’s remembering His faithfulness in the past and choosing to believe He’ll be faithful again.

As we cultivate this hope, something beautiful happens. We begin to see our lives differently. Instead of random events or cruel twists of fate, we recognize God’s hand shaping us. We realize that nothing in our past is wasted – every experience, good or bad, has contributed to who we are today.

This doesn’t mean we have to be glad about every painful thing that’s happened to us. But it does mean we can trust that God is able to bring good even out of our deepest hurts. He is the master artist, weaving together the dark and light threads of our lives into a tapestry of grace.

So today, whatever you’re facing, remember: your story isn’t over. God is still at work, using every challenge to build endurance, shape your character, and ultimately, produce a hope that will not disappoint. And as you hold onto that hope, be open to the ways God might want to use you to bring hope to others.

Your life is a message of hope waiting to be shared. Will you let God use you today?

In a world that often celebrates education, training, and credentials, it’s easy to feel unqualified or unprepared for the great calling God has placed on our lives. Yet, throughout history, God has consistently chosen the most unlikely individuals to carry out His extraordinary plans. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4.

These two men, described as “uneducated and untrained,” stood before the religious elite of their day with a boldness that left their accusers amazed. What was the secret to their confidence? The text tells us plainly: “they recognized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

This powerful encounter reminds us that our effectiveness in God’s kingdom isn’t determined by our resume or our intellect, but by our intimacy with Jesus. Peter and John didn’t have degrees or formal training, but they had something far more valuable – they had spent time with the Savior.

Consider for a moment the implications of this truth in your own life. How often do we disqualify ourselves from serving God because we feel inadequate? We might say, “I’m not educated enough,” “I don’t know enough Bible verses,” or “I’m not trained for ministry.” But God isn’t looking for the most qualified; He’s looking for the most willing.

The early church was built on the foundation of ordinary people who said “yes” to an extraordinary God. These weren’t scholars or religious professionals – they were fishermen, tax collectors, and other common folk. Yet, through their obedience and faith, they turned the world upside down for Christ.

This should challenge us to reconsider our excuses. Are we too busy? Too scared? Too comfortable? The reality is, if God is calling you to something, He will equip you for it. Your job is simply to say “yes” and take that first step of faith.

Remember Abraham, who left his homeland on nothing more than a promise from God. Or consider Zacharias and Elizabeth, who in their old age believed God for a child when it seemed impossible. These stories remind us that God’s ways often defy human logic, but His plans are always perfect.

It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t about self-reliance or personal achievement. The power that worked through Peter and John wasn’t their own – it was the power of the Holy Spirit. They had been transformed by their time with Jesus, and it showed in everything they did.

This brings us to a vital point: the importance of spending time with Jesus. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual lives. We might show up to church on Sunday, but are we truly cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Christ? Are we allowing Him to transform us from the inside out?

The example of the early church in Acts is convicting. They didn’t just meet once a week – they gathered daily, breaking bread together, praying, and encouraging one another. Their faith wasn’t compartmentalized; it was the central focus of their lives.

How different would our communities look if we adopted this same passion and commitment? What if, instead of being busy just for the sake of being busy, we prioritized our relationship with God and with fellow believers?

It’s also worth noting that Peter and John weren’t lone rangers in their ministry. Throughout the book of Acts, we see the disciples working together, supporting one another, and sharing in both the joys and challenges of following Christ. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Christian community and fellowship.

As we reflect on these truths, let’s challenge ourselves to step out in faith. Maybe God is calling you to reach out to a neighbor, start a Bible study, or even embark on a new career path. Whatever it is, remember that your adequacy comes from Christ, not from your own abilities.

Moreover, let’s commit to deepening our relationship with Jesus. This means more than just attending church or reading the Bible occasionally. It means pursuing Him wholeheartedly, allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives.

Finally, let’s embrace the power of Christian community. Seek out opportunities to connect with other believers, to pray together, to study God’s Word together, and to encourage one another in faith.

The world desperately needs to see the transforming power of Christ. And just like in the early church, God wants to use ordinary people – people like you and me – to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

So today, will you say “yes” to whatever God is calling you to do? Will you trust that He can use you, regardless of your background or qualifications? Will you commit to spending time with Jesus, allowing His presence to embolden and equip you?

Remember, it’s not about having all the answers or being perfectly prepared. It’s about being willing to step out in faith, trusting that the same God who used fishermen to change the world can use you too.

In the words of the apostle Paul, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). You are that jar of clay, and within you resides the incredible power of the Holy Spirit.

So go forth with confidence, not in yourself, but in the God who calls you. Be bold in sharing the love of Christ. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For it is in Him, and Him alone, that we find the strength, wisdom, and courage to live out our calling.