Read Luke 4:14-15
I LOVE Hardships!
After Jesus’s most difficult time of being tested and tempted by the devil, and being without food for 40 days and nights, he returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. In fact it was then that Jesus started his ministry and news spread throughout the whole countryside about all Jesus was doing. He was teaching in their synagogues and everyone praised Him!
I pray that as you read this devotional that God reveals himself in a powerful way. For we all go through trials and tribulations; and God allows the devil to test us. Nobody likes being tempted or tested by the devil. No one enjoys hardships. Oftentimes we become angry with God, or curse him. But it’s these times of testing and times of hardships that God is able to blossom in mighty ways in and through our lives. It’s during these times that God’s Powers is made evident if we but believe, stand firm, and trust God.
To truly believe that God is with us in every testing and hardship that we go through, is to truly believe that victory is forthcoming. We may hate these times of testing and hardships but it’s during these times that God strengthens us, makes us more like Jesus, equips us for new ministry opportunities that will impact other lives and challenge others in the ways of the Lord. It’s during these times that people will see the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us resulting in hearts praising God and wanting to follow Jesus.
The good news is he will never give us more than we can handle because he will always provide a way out. If we persevere to the end, we will see not just newness in our lives, but a new empowerment of the Holy Spirit for Ministry opportunities. This should excite us. Lord, please use me. I know this means hardships await me but I know it will only make me more like Jesus and people will see your power, and will be drawn to you.
Thank you for these times of testing and hardships!
