FROM THE KEYBOARD

According to the Bible, we’re called to share in suffering for the gospel—not for weirdness’ sake, but for righteousness’ sake. Like the pressure that forms diamonds or the pain that builds muscle, God uses these challenges to unleash His power in us. Yes, the process may be painful and pointed, but it has a purpose. That purpose is that suffering leads to something beautiful according to His plan. “But share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).

Life can feel overwhelming, tempting us to rely on our own strength. Yet, faith in our own strength is no faith at all. It’s not “I can, so I will.” It’s “I can, according to His will.” True strength comes from trusting in His will and power, not our own willpower. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

The battle may be long and hard to us, but the battle belongs to the Lord. In our struggles, we can trust in the truth that God is fighting for us. Therefore, "do not be afraid nor dismayed... for the battle is not yours, but God’s" (2 Chronicles 20:15).

Those who cannot see the hand of God in life have likely never been delivered by it from death. Sadly, they have not been delivered by His hand because they have not reached out for His hand. "Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses" (Psalm 107:19).

We can fan the flame of faith, or we can fan the flame of fear—but we cannot do both. The fan of faith empowers; the fan of fear devours. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

The God who rescues also restores. At the cross, the Lord rescued us from sin and restored us to Himself. Thus, He makes us righteous, and His righteousness makes us like Himself. "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Psalm 23:3).