Devotion #5: Not Just a One-Time Deal
The tempting trap of worry can be difficult to avoid. With so much taking place in our lives, there is always an opportunity to worry about something. Our thoughts can often be shrouded with fear of things going wrong or with anxiety of the unexpected — especially when we consider all that is to come in the future. The more we worry, the more of a prominent tendency our worrying becomes as we think of all that is taking place now, as well as what lies in front of us. It would be great if there was something that could help us remove overwhelming worry and fear from our minds.
When we put our faith in and focus on Jesus, we can be blessed with a perception and confidence that is grounded and steadfast, no matter the difficulties and struggles that lie ahead. It does not matter whether they are anticipated and planned or unexpected and unplanned. Those blessings come from none other than our God. Through His Word, He constantly reminds us that there is no greater foundation we can build our lives upon compared to Jesus.
I love the reminder that Jesus Himself preaches in Matthew chapter 7. He contrasts the lives of the wise man and the foolish man. In verses 24-25, He states, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
To me, it is so relieving and encouraging to think about the incomparable faithfulness of our God when I read those verses. His faithfulness is not just a “one-time deal” that expires after a single use. It is something that extends far beyond the here and now. God’s protection, provision, and promises will remain no matter what good or bad comes our way, just as how Jesus describes the rain, floods, and winds that fell upon and beat on the wise man’s house. We have to remember that Christ, our firm foundation, is not only with you for one battle, but He will be by your side through every battle, so long as we put our trust in Him.
I am not saying that we will never venture into a battle or circumstance that seems too overwhelming or impossible to overcome. However, even in those situations, we can still gain more confidence when we focus back on the words and teachings of Jesus. This is what He instructed us to do at the beginning of that passage in Matthew chapter 7.
Whenever I feel shaken by a seemingly impossible situation, I can find peace and comfort when I focus on Jesus’ words to Paul in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. As Paul described his difficult situation to the church in Corinth, he mentions Jesus’ words to him in verse 9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
When we remember that the faithfulness of God is always on our side, we have no reason to worry. Even further, when we also remember that God’s power is made perfect within our weakness or in our times of difficulty and struggle, we can be filled with confidence, peace, and comfort no matter what lies in front of us.