Bible insight

Joy while suffering?? It sounds impossible, but as Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) – When you are following God and trust Him to be in control of every aspect of your life, He turns all things in your life into positive blessings – yes, even what seems to be negative or challenging. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) So when you are going through a challenge, know that whatever it is, He is using it to bless you, and it will result in positive outcomes that you could not even imagine… “’What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’^[a]—the things God has prepared for those who love him—” (1 Corinthians 2:9). That is a reason to feel pure joy!

We are not able to see clearly when it is dark, we need the light to guide us. This is also true for receiving spiritual guidance — we need God to be our light that shines bright over the darkness that can enter our lives, guiding our path to His perfect purpose and grace. When you allow God to come into your life, specifically in the difficult moments when things seem to be nothing but negative, He will fill you up with His comfort and guide you out. When you are unsure of where to turn or what to do, He will show you the way, a way that you would never determine on your own. Let God shine His light on all your challenges, dilemmas, and life experiences–His light will always empower you, comfort you, and lead you to His blessings for your life!

This statement is from Elisha the Prophet, who was counseling the king of Israel, King Jehoash, as he was distraught about being able to defeat the country of Aram. When he asked for his help, Elisha the Prophet led him through a blessing to bring victory to Israel. As a final step, he instructed the king to take the arrows and “strike the ground.” Elisha the Prophet was upset when the king only struck the arrows on the ground three times and stopped. He let him know that he would have received a bigger blessing if he would have struck the ground more. This is a reflection of God’s desire for His children to believe big and have expanded faith. He does not want us to limit the possibilities of what He can provide for us or do in our lives. But we have to actively show our faith and do so at a higher level – the bigger we believe, the bigger the blessings. Never underestimate what God can do in your life or how He can utilize you for His Work. Go beyond what you think or feel is possible and stretch your faith higher than you ever have, and then watch what He does in your life!