Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 28, 2014
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Sometimes life knocks us down. Like a boxer drops to one knee after a punch from his opponent, we can be struck down by insensitive souls or untimely trials. A critical evaluation of our work can feel like a jab to our face. A friend’s decision to walk away from their family is like a kick in the stomach. Financial pressure, relational stress, physical illness and religious persecution can all take a toll on our soul. Even if we fall on our face, God’s grace lifts us up. We may be down, but not out.
When we find ourselves down, it means the Lord is up to something. When we are on our backs, we look up to Him for hope. When we are stressed, our Savior gives us a refuge of rest. When we hurt He heals. When we drift, He disciplines us. Our heavenly Father does not abandon us when others walk away. Disappointment drags us down toward despair, but Christ lifts us up and repairs our broken dreams. A transition may feel long, but He grows our faith through it. Down, but not out.
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them–yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Society’s mores that once reflected righteousness may give way to unrighteousness, but the Righteous One still reigns. The Body of Christ may suffer a black eye from our judgmental attitudes and apathy toward sin. But God’s influence has not been extinguished. The church is blemished because it is made up of imperfect people. Its reputation is bruised but the Lord’s reputation is without question. Jesus lifts up His bride, the church, to bring Him glory.
Therefore, we look to the Lord to lift us up. Since God inhabits the praises of His people, we praise Him in the middle of our malaise. As we lift Him up in worship our heavenly Father lifts us up in His love and sweet fellowship. By faith, Christ comforts our downcast soul. Thus, we persevere through trials. We don’t give up, because Jesus lifts us up. We take a step back for Him to prepare our hearts, then we move forward confidently in His strength. Down, but not out.
“I trusted in the Lord when I said, “I am greatly afflicted” (Psalm 116:10).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for lifting me up when I am down. You revive my soul.
Related Readings: Psalm 22:3, 145:14; Hebrews 10:32-36; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 2:10
Post/Tweet today: We don’t give up, because Jesus lifts us up. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: An inspiring story, a 4 minute video- http://bit.ly/1nK5wUc
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Powerful words, thank you!
Dear Darryl~
Thank you so much for reaching out to us with your encouraging words. We always love to hear from fellow wisdom hunters! We look forward to hearing from you again in the future with comments regarding the Wisdom Hunters devotionals.
When our Wisdom Hunters family is blessed by the devotionals, we realize that it is “ALL GOD” and give HIM ALL THE GLORY!
Have a wonderful day, Darryl!!
Blessings to you and yours.
Gwynne
“You are my hope, O Lord God;
You are my trust from my youth.
As for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise You more and more.”
Psalm 71:5,14
I went through a tough experience at work today. Rejection and being ignored is hard for me. It has been constant from two staff members for about a year. I was ready to walk out this morning.
Just read the devotional for today. So glad that I am under Gods Grace! Amen
Dear Irene~ Thank you so taking the time to reach out to us after reading the devotional, “Down, But Not Out”. I am sorry you have been faced with some insensitive people in your workplace, but I am SO THANKFUL that you know our Heaven Father! When we are His Child, we always have a sense of BELONGING and LOVE from Him. What an amazing blessing that is especially in moments of unpleasantness.
One of my favorite sentences in this devotional is “As we lift Him up in worship Our Heavenly Father lifts us up in His love and sweet fellowship”. Doesn’t that just say it all? He loves us so much and is always there for us. WOW!
Irene, as you go apart your day, please remember that. I imagine you are a shining light to those around you at work because you know the love of God.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter and look forward to hearing from you again sometime.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“May I be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”.
2 Timothy 2:1