Exposition:
Every one of us will have some kind of affliction we will need to face; many of us will have to live with a specific “thorn in the flesh.” Paul asked God to remove his. God said “No.” Paul’s conclusion, “His grace is sufficient for me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). It’s not wrong to ask God to remove the pains of affliction. We see Job crying out to God especially in the fear and anguish of night (Job 7:4). The rest of the book reveals that Job was able to say and demonstrate, “Though he slays me, yet will I hope in him”
President J.F. Kennedy once remarked that ‘when written in Chinese, the word “crisis” is composed of two characters. One represents danger, and the other represents opportunity”. Every crisis is at the same time an opportunity. Crises are often caused by unexpected difficulties but within them are opportunities that can help growth but only few can see them.
There may be times in your life when you face major storms. A ‘tempest’ seems to blow and the waves are ‘lifted high’ your courage melts away and you reach your wits’ end. Sometimes you feel like giving up in life but don’t give up! There is a way out!
In the book of Psalms 107:28-33, the psalmist tells you how to respond. The people: ‘… called out to God in their desperate condition, and He got them out in the nick of time (v.28 MSG). God is never late, never early. When God answers your cry for help, don’t forget to thank him: ‘So thank God for His marvellous love, for His miracle mercy to the children He loves’ (v.31–32, MSG).
We need to thank God for the gift of life and we need to ask God for grace to go through the storms of life. Like James said, these are tests of our faith and it will yield steadfastness if we respond positively.
PRAYER GUIDE: Lord, give us grace to remain strong and resolute in the face of crisis.
MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK: Job 9:19 (NIV) – “If it is a matter of strength, he is Mighty!
And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him?