[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Who do you become after the storm?

Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17-18

Meditation verse:

“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).

Storms, trials, failures, tribulations, heartaches and difficulties are all part of human existence. In John 16:33, Jesus said to His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. Things may not always work out as you desire. People will betray you and leave you heartbroken by their actions. You may encounter obstacles and hardships as you navigate life. The big question is “who do you become after the storm? Do you emerge stronger, wiser and better or weaker, bitter and vengeful?

Let’s look at some biblical examples. Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph had every reason to be angry and vengeful, but when he had the opportunity to avenge their wickedness, he chose the path of mercy, forgiveness and love. (Genesis 50:20). Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace for failing to bow to the king’s idol. When they came out, the. bible records that the smell of smoke was not on them. In order words, they did not look like what they had gone through. (Daniel 3:27). Beaten, scourged, mocked and nailed to a cross, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ prayed “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do”.

You have no control over how others treat you, but you can control your reaction to their actions. Refuse to allow their actions change who you are and the values you hold dear. That amounts to giving them control over your life. Choose the path of forgiveness and say like Joseph “you meant it for evil, but God turned it around for good. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye

Founder: The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM)

For prayers, counselling or to support our vision of blessing more lives with this devotional, email: rockteachingministry@gmail.com

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