Oct 26 2024

Afternoon Bible Verse

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak.

Afternoon Bible study

Every single person has been at a point or in a situation when they wanted to give up. You may be there right now. It's exhausting and frustrating and sometimes we see no way out.

In the United States, more than a third of working Americans have considered quitting their job for a wide variety of reasons. A major reason for this is fatigue; we do more in an average work week than our European counterparts, and being overloaded with work can leave us stressed out. When we reach that point, we may give up.

Even New Year's resolutions are often abandoned early in the new year. Something inevitably comes up that interrupts the new schedule and throws it all out the window.

And yet God calls to us to let Him be our strength.

The prophet Isaiah recognized that God could give strength to people who were tired from whatever life had brought them, or what they may have brought on themselves. We should recognize it too: that when we are weak, God gives us power and strength.

Today, whatever you are facing, know that God has the strength you need. He will help you this time, and next time, and the time after that—and every time you come face to face with the prospect of giving up. Don't do it. Lean on Him instead.

Afternoon Prayer

Lord God, life can be exhausting. There are times when I am weak, and all I can think about is giving up because it's the easiest thing to do. Remind me that you are my strength and that when I am weak, you can make me strong. In Jesus' name, amen.

Oct 25 2024

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible Verse

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair. :

Yesterday Afternoon's Bible study

The Apostle Paul certainly knew about trouble. He wrote about being beaten and put in prison, left for dead, stoned, floated out in the open water for a day and a night and also being shipwrecked. And throughout the New Testament, trouble seemed to follow Paul everywhere he went.

When we face trouble, we may get frustrated, angry, and even do dumb things. But it's actually what we do in the face of trouble that shows how much Christ is dwelling in our lives.

How do you react when you face a troubling situation that you can't fix on your own? Whom do you call on?

Unfortunately, the troubles we experience in this life never really go away; they only go into hiding. There will always be giants to face, rivers to cross, walls that separate us, and armies to be defeated. And God will give us the wisdom and strength to do what it takes to conquer those troubles.

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to share with them that even though he faced trouble and despair, he was not going to give in to it. He had found his contentment in Christ, despite extremely difficult circumstances.

Contentment during times of trouble… those concepts seem to be complete opposites. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have contentment no matter how troublesome our circumstances may be.

When we find our strength in Christ alone, trouble, distress, and despair cannot exist. And the more we trust Him to take over, the more peaceful and content we will be.

Yesterday Afternoon's Prayer

Lord, help me to seek your peace. No matter what trial or circumstance I find myself in, lead me to the way of being content in you. Let my reactions be a reflection of Christ who lives in me. In Jesus' name, amen.
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