Daily Devotional
There Will Be Difficulties
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
August 18, 2022
Ponder This
God has not promised we will not know difficulty, but He has promised we will know ultimate victory. That’s the reason one of my favorite books in the Bible, if not my favorite, is Romans, and one of my favorite chapters in Romans is chapter 8. Romans 8:35-37 asks a question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.’ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Paul didn’t say you’re not going to experience these things. Don’t get the idea that somehow these things only happen to those who don’t love the Lord. No, these are things that happen to the victorious. You see, God has promised never to leave us and never to forsake us, but He has not promised that we will never have difficulty.
- How have you experienced the reality that following Jesus does bring difficulty in this life?
- How does the promise of God’s presence help you to persevere in difficulty?
Practice This
Journal about the difficulties you are currently facing, and the ways God is bringing comfort with His presence.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
