God will carry you through
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Faith Fitness
Bro. Sam Kaufman
Contrary to how some may feel, God never promised us it would be a bed of roses when we accepted Him into our hearts.
As Christians, we still encounter challenges, obstacles, difficulties, pain, and suffering along the way.
If we live holy lives in Christ Jesus, we’ll also experience persecution.
But serving God has benefits that are literally out of this world, as well as in the here and now.
Regardless of what we face – and we will face some things – God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us. So, with God by our side, we are well able to overcome. We are more than conquerors in and through Him.
Additionally, God’s grace is sufficient for us. No matter what we encounter, the almighty power of His grace will pull us through. Peace, comfort, strength, and love that far surpasses human understanding flows to us through our relationship with God.
Our hope is eternity in God’s presence. It is a privilege and an honor and a joy to serve God in this world. “And he walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
But the best is yet to come. If we continue on with the Lord, we’ll experience the fullness of His presence in eternity.
Paul told some who doubted the resurrection that if we only have hope in this life, we are of all men most miserable.
Our hope is when our faith becomes sight. Oh, I want to see Him.
Paul said he’d rather go and be with the Lord, which is far better, but it was also needful for him to minister to others according to God’s perfect will and plan for his life. In that service, there is sometimes suffering. See Paul and Silas when they were both thrown in jail. They did not worry who would go their bail.
They sang praises to God at the midnight hour when they were in pain and horrendous conditions. Then God set the captives free. The jailer and his family were saved! It was well worth their suffering!
Romans 8:18 states, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Another verse along those lines reveals, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” – II Corinthians 4:17
The Bible also says, “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” – II Timothy 2:12
But God is with us every step of the way in this life. He’s there to pick us up when we have no strength to carry on.
Anyone remember the story of Derek Redmond in the 1992 Olympics? Redmond was a lock that year to medal in the 400 meters. He put in the time, preparation and effort to run on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The British sprinter was among the medalists heading into the final 100 meters. Then the unforgettable happened. Redmond went down in a heap when his hamstring snapped. His dreams were dashed. There he lay on the oval as all runners passed him.
His father, Jim, was in the stands. Jim quickly made his way down to the gate. Security tried to stop him. Jim made it through to his son.
He encouraged Derek. He wrapped his arm around his son. Derek made it up. With his father’s arm around him, Derek hobbled on one leg the rest of the way. The two crossed the finish line together.
The incident has become a well-remembered moment in Olympic history.
It also portrays a picture of how our Heavenly Father will lift us to our feet and help us along the way – all the way – when we feel like we’re down for the count. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
The “Footprints in the Sand” story is another portrayal of God picking us up and carrying us through. The man who made it to Heaven asked the Lord, in looking back on his life, why there were two sets of footprints much of the way. But when life became almost unbearable, there was just one set of footprints. Jesus’ response was those were the times He carried the man through.
He did it for him; He’ll do it for you.
