November 22, 2024
“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.’’
- Psalm 34:19 (AMP)
In a past devotional, we saw how every person needs God. Today, we will be looking at how to garner strength in times of need and despair and examining the lives of character in the bible that defied the odds, and summoned strength in the crisis of life. In times of need, we often search for a source of strength that can carry us through our darkest hours and challenging moments. Drawing on timeless biblical truths, this devotional offers reflections and encouragement to help you discover the unwavering strength that God provides.
In 1 Samuel 30:3-5, David was seen as a man that had lost everything – wives, children, family, properties and all that he had gathered vanished into thin air. There he was with his dreams shattered and hope far away. He wept until there was no more strength to weep. Yet, in verse 6 of the same text, he strengthened himself in the Lord his God by calling upon His name. In all situations, never lose the strength to pray.
In all their circumstances, they did not let go of God, they held on to faith.
Hannah was a woman the world had termed ‘barren’ and mocked by her co-wife – 1 Samuel 1:2. She had tried all the fertility procedures. She kept trying until trying didn’t make sense anymore. Despite her predicament, she found strength and courage to still come to church and prayed more than everyone else. She was not ready to give in to the barrage of emotions beclouding her efforts by her continuous call on God in prayers. Her case was even peculiar. Peninah, her rival who was also in the same place of worship taunted and mocked her. Yet, she was focussed and determined to hold on to God’s word, minding her own business. She didn’t leave the church or stop serving but rather remained faithful to God.
Shall we talk about Jacob who does both day and night shift tending to the flocks of Laban, though he was not rightly rewarded? Laban represents a person in authority, a family member, business partner, or a trusted ally. As a matter of fact, he was demoted, reduced and constantly cheated. Imagine working in an organization for 20 years and being paid a wage ten times lower than starting salary at the first year. What motivation could have kept a man in that kind of work environment? Many would call it a toxic workplace and the HR experts would have candidly advised him to leave the place for his mental health. Yet, he turned to the Lord in his troubles and was delivered to become mightier than his taskmaster.
What then do all these characters have in common? They were all hit with life’s curve balls, they knew what it meant to be abased, barren, mocked, cheated, lied to, deceived, heartbroken and persecuted. Yes, they all had their fair share. In all their circumstances, they did not let go of God, they held on to faith. What is that thing that has made your heart weary and caused you or is making to tremble? Remember, to lose your strength is to lose your reward. If you fail in the days of adversity, your strength is small – Proverbs 24:10. Hold on to your confession of faith. Never allow the situation to overwhelm you, in trials rejoice and in tribulations, sing praises to God. Your turnaround is here, Amen!
Song of Worship
What the Lord has done for me …..I cannot tell it all (x2ce)
He saved me and washed me with His blood
So, I can shout hallelujah, I can shout hallelujah,
I can shout Praise the Lord.
Prayer - Thank You, Father, for Your unending support and for being our ever-present help in times of trouble. We entrust our lives into Your loving hands, confident that Your plans for us are good and perfect (Amen).