One way of looking at the Gospel is God meeting the needs and healing the brokeness of people. Through Jesus’ work on the cross our need for forgiveness was met. Jesus heals our brokenness.
One of the most powerful ways we can show this to people is by showing them how God has met our needs and healed our brokenness. To do that, however, means we have to reveal our needs and our brokenness. We have to be vulnerable.
Not only is this a powerful way to show people how God can help them, but it destroys the false image that Christians think they are perfect and are just judging non-Christians. When people can see that we are just as sinful and broken as they are (and know we are)then they can see the Savior who came for us also came for them.
Today: Consider how open you are with people regarding your weaknesses and where sharing your struggles may help.
“God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.” – Habakkuk 3:19
How do you get through the tough days?
This passage from Habakkuk is one of my favorites. It speaks of hope and strength in the midst of struggle and weakness.
We all face struggles and pain. Some days are worse than others. When things really start to wear on you and it feels like it will never let up, what do you do?
Avoidance Some people avoid or medicate the pain. They turn to distractions and drinking and other means of simply avoiding or suppressing the pain and stress. It may feel good for the moment, but doesn’t strengthen and often leads to added problems.
Ourselves Some people look inward. They try to stand strong and face the issues head-on. Facing the struggle is good, but we all have our limits. Eventually, we often need to find help or we have mental or physical health issues.
Look to God Habakkuk took a different approach. He looked to the Lord. He didn’t hide from the problem or think he could handle it all himself. He trusted in God, even when everything was falling apart.
Listen to the Scripture right before verse 19.
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.” – Habakkuk 3:17-19
God is here for us. He gives His people strength to endure even the toughest times. You can face the issue and you don’t have to go through it alone. Pray. Spend time in His Word. Share your struggles with a brother or sister in Christ. Jesus will carry you through.
Heavenly Father,
There are times I wonder how I’m going to make it. Keep me from avoiding and medicating. Be my strength when I am weak.