What are you facing right now? Whatever “this” problem is – it will NOT overpower you, NOT crush you, NOT destroy you! Paul faced stress but never quit. “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT) Even if you are “going through hell” don’t stop! God hasn’t stopped working. Don’t quit!
Can you relate to the expression on my brother Barry’s face (below)? What do you imagine he was thinking? Perhaps – “I think I can; I think I can; I think I can; OH, NO!”
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33 AMP)
God doesn’t intend for you to break under pressure. He offers abundant grace and promises that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4b KJV)
God doesn’t promise to keep you from experiencing tribulation, but He promises to walk with you through it! “When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.” (Isaiah 42:2 GNT)
You may be waiting, but God is still working. You’re right on schedule – God’s schedule! Remember, you are on God’s timetable, not your own. God’s Word and His Promises are never on pause like a DVR.
God DOESN’T do HALFway! He is a finisher, a completer, not just a starter. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Our Lord Jesus Christ is described as “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV) God finishes what He starts.
