We all need God’s help. We can trust in the Lord for strength, and do not need to try do things in our own strength. A verse that reminds me of previous victories I have had, when relying on God’s strength and not my own is Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (ESV). God wants to help us. God says, “…I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV). There is not anything too small or too big to ask God to help with; cast “…all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV). We look to God for help; our “…help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, ESV).
God wants to help us see ourselves and others like He does. God has created each of us as unique, and He has a unique plan for each of our lives. We each are to “…run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV). Indeed your race, and not someone else’s race. I understand it is easy to find yourself slipping into comparing yourself to someone else. When I have done that, God has reminded me that I am a dearly loved and special daughter, with unique praise to Him. I am reminded that I belong to God. God has a plan just for you, and knows we need His help to keep moving forward in all He has for us.
As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we spend time in His presence, we keep running our race with perseverance. I truly feel that there are many of God’s people that are already running their race with perseverance, courageously enduring through difficult situations in this broken world, and are having victory. This is an opportunity for me to say to you, to keep going, you are doing great. Paul encourages us to do what he did in, “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV). Our precious Christ Jesus won the victory on the cross for us. We “…are more than conquerors through him who loved us…” (Romans 8:37, ESV).
There have been those times though when I have felt more defeated than if I was conquering. At times I can focus too much on the opposition, obstacles, my failures and uncertain situations. Let me be honest with you, I have totally freaked out at times. It all felt so overwhelming. I am so grateful I knew my part in getting up again – to pray and trust God. God listens to our prayers and He lifts us each up. At times I need to repent of my doubts, and God lifts me up. All glory to God. He encourages me, by what is said at church, for example, and during my quiet times with Him on my own. We may feel tempted to give up, but keep going. We fight “…the good fight of the faith…” (1 Timothy 6:12, ESV). We fight on our knees in prayer. We may not yet see the finish line, but keep persevering to get to that victory, it may be just over that next hill. We cannot see the big picture, but God understands how everything comes together. We need to trust God’s timing. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV). God is working in His way. God has the final word. God’s plan for you will prevail (Proverbs 19:21).
God empowers you, and will make a way. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit, “…strengthened with power through his Spirit…” (Ephesians 3:16, ESV). Maybe it is just not going exactly as you had hoped, but there is still hope. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9, NIV). Of what you know in your heart God has led you to do, remind yourself of why you started doing it. Keep at it, it does matter. There is victory in getting up, and taking it one day at a time, in taking that next step. Remember God’s faithfulness in the past.
We remember at Easter time that Jesus did not give up on us. Jesus “..who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). We have received such grace and mercy, in that “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV). God does not expect you to be perfect, He loves you. I choose to forgive others, they are not the enemy, and I forgive myself. We also remember that Jesus conquered sin and death; finishing God’s redemption plan (John 19:30). Jesus accomplished what He was given to do (John 17:4). We live from the victory that our King Jesus won. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and help us, as we run our race.
Prayer
Dear Father God,
Almighty God! You “…made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17, ESV).
Thank-You for making a way for us to be reconciled to You. Thank-You for what Jesus did for us on the cross. Our victorious King Jesus; our Saviour, our Redeemer. Jesus Name above all names.
Thank-You that all who are weary and burdened can come to You and You give us rest (Matthew 11:28). I need Your strength, I need Your help. I am encouraged that “…for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, ESV). I am precious to You. You love me. You have a unique plan for me, and Your plan for me prevails.
May You continue to lead me each day, and help me to persevere. Thank-You that You want to help me. I am seeking to know You more, and put my trust in You.
In Jesus name, Amen.