WHEN TROUBLE COMES
Greg and Nanette Robinson
Today’s Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33, ESV
Theme: Prioritizing God will bring all the other things you seek into your life: blessings, peace, joy, love, security, and salvation.
SEEKING AND FOLLOWING GOD’S WILL
Understanding and following God’s will can be challenging, especially when it requires humility, forgiveness, and sacrifice. As Christ followers, even unfair persecution requires a “Christlike” response, which can be perceived by the world as weak. For context, think of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in which He teaches us to turn the other cheek, to give our coats when someone sues us for our shirts, and to walk two miles when someone forces us to walk one mile. In these verses, Jesus is teaching us about our Christian response and following God’s will in a season of persecution.
Not long ago, I was put to the test in a business dealing. Someone I cared about drew me into a battle, attempting to gain control over something of significant value. As I walked through the valleys of this stressful and emotional situation, God kept reminding me to honor Him and to continue to honor the other person and to return darkness with light. I was urged by Him to give selflessly with the understanding that no matter what was lost, He could replace it, and I would surely be blessed with all that I needed. When I wanted to fight, retaliate, and get what I felt I deserved, God kept reminding me to put my pride aside and remain at peace and in His will.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND GOD’S BLESSINGS
Through each negotiation and confrontation, the situation became more about doing what was right in the eyes of God—reconciliation, honor, and spiritual growth—and less about what I deserved, or thought was fair. Once I began to humble myself, to truly seek and follow God’s will, the situation was quickly resolved, and His blessings far exceeded anything that was lost, just as He promised.
Make it Personal: What challenging, unfair, or stressful situation are you being confronted with today? Whatever it is, pray and commit to do what God would have you do. Look for God’s way of escape. When we prioritize God’s will over our own, we receive from His gracious hands a greater sense of peace, joy, love, security, and salvation. His blessings provide for all that we need!
Pray: Father, please allow me to seek Your righteousness in all situations, no matter how difficult. Let me put aside my prideful desires in favor of all You would have me do. Give me the spiritual discernment to understand and the faith to persevere so that I might honor You. Thank You for Your blessings and for the providential care that you provide over my life each day. In Jesus’ Name I ask these things. Amen!
Read:1 Corinthians 2:10-15; Mathew 5:38-41
Weekly Memory Verse: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV