10/28/2020
We might be suffering physically right now in this time of pandemic, but even as our bodies are being wracked, and caused to feel great pain, God is using our bodily trials to bring about great spiritual growth in us. In this time of intense suffering, and while Satan attempts to destroy our hope, our souls are calling out to God for deliverance. Can you feel a renewal of faith welling up within you?
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 ESV
Every cough, headache, degree of fever, ounce of vomit, quick trip to the toilet in gastric distress, or moment of breathlessness, is accompanied with an increase in our call for God’s rescue. When we cling to our faith in the midst of all these challenges something wonderful occurs... we find that we are prepared by each momentary affliction for God’s glory that is awaiting us at the end of our ordeal.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV
When hardship comes we hear the Saints call out to God in increased faith, but there are others who call out in prayer who have never done so before. Some call this new found faith desperation, but regardless, it offers God the opportunity to show himself merciful, and more souls are won to him.
“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:15 ESV
So, in this moment of pandemic when we are reaching out to God in prayer, are you feeling the presence of God for the very first time, or maybe leaning on Him like you have never done before? Whichever it might be hold tight to the understanding that He will bring you through this dire time. Let your need for Him transform you, and prepare you to know His glory, and realize the eternal nature of that glory.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the increase in our desire for you as we face great hardships. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who suffered like no other, and yet was lifted to sit at your right hand for eternity. He is our hope, and example in times of great tribulation, and intercedes for us when we are praying to you in His name. Lord, let your Holy Spirit come to rest on us in these terrible times, and if need be, let Him pray for us when our words fail us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who causes the rain of pandemic to fall on the good and bad alike, and let those who are strong in faith be an example to those who don’t know how to come before you. Strengthen us in our prayers so that others can learn to pray through us. We praise your name for every moan that brings us closer to you, and every cough that clears the way for another word of prayer. You are merciful Father, not only for your healing, but for the faith and belief you lead us to by our continued suffering. Hear us Lord as we pray, and wash us clean of sin with the blood of your Son Jesus. Let His sacrifice be our redemption, and lift us through it to stand before you, and dine at your table forevermore.
Rich Forbes