The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: 1st Corinthians 10:11-13 // Psalm 73

“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, … ”
1st Corinthians 10:13

He Cares for You

At times, the weary Christian feels that God is asking too much. Illness, loss of job, and deep sorrow fall upon us. We may even complain that God is not fair. We see know point in suffering, hardship, and trials. They tempt us to despair of God’s goodness and mercy.
Just as athletes know that muscles and endurance are strengthened by the stress of weights, Christians confess that suffering and trials are among God’s tools to strengthen and refine our faith [1st Peter 1:6-7]. We have this confidence because Christ has entered into our trials, carried their weight, and given us His victory.
But God also knows our sorrow, grief, trials, and temptation can crush us. He knows our breaking point and promises never to exceed it. Because Christ put on our created flesh to suffer and die for us, we may be confident that His promises are faithful and true.
God also provides a way for us to escape every temptation that we may be able to bear it. That way is Jesus Christ, who bore the real brunt of our sins. He endured the real suffering and pain, even death. He removed the real burden of our sins and promises us that beyond the cross is the crown of everlasting life. Even in our deepest depression, we know that He is faithful and that He loves us.

Grant us, Lord, the heavenly vision that lies beyond this life, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

September 28, 2005