Old Testament: Job 15 & 16
Poetry: Psalm 38
New Testament: John 18
It is easy to get to the end of our rope, to find that our cup is empty. In moments like these we became frustrated at best. Our weakness makes our goals out of our grasp. Thankfully, we have someone on our side that can give us strength in our struggle and can fill our cup once more so we are not only capable, but we are ready to meet whatever challenge He has set before us. So the question is, how can we access this power? Here are some scriptures to remind us to stop looking into ourselves but seek the strength of the Lord.
Cry out to the Ever-Present God: We serve a God that is in every place at every moment. That means when his children cry out, He will answer them and can come quickly to their aid. He welcomes our prayers, and our conversations with Him give us strength because we are reminded exactly who we are connected to.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10
“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” – Psalm 38:21-22
Embracing Jesus as Our Advocate: In our trials and tribulations, we can find strength knowing that Jesus Christ is at the right hand of God, and He understands our struggles. By petitioning in His name, He is mediating for us. Because of this connection, we can speak directly to our Heavenly Father, and furthermore, access the power of His Holy Spirit, which has the power to comfort, heal, and protect those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.
“Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” – Job 16:19-22
“Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” – Hebrews 7:25
Surrendering to God’s Will: When we submit to the will of God, we are emulating Christ our Savior. Jesus submitted to the will of God every step of the way leading up to His death. God calls us all to be martyrs, not that we all give our lives on a cross, but that we all sacrifice our wills and intentions for Him. God may call us to do a hard thing, but He also gives us the strength to accomplish it when we submit to His will. His alone is sovereign and He alone can empower us to endure.
“Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” – John 18:11
-Aaron Winner
Reflection Questions
- Of the three steps Aaron shared: Cry Out to the Ever Present God, Embrace Jesus as Our Advocate and Surrender to God’s Will, which comes hardest for you?
- What would it look like for you to do each of these steps in whatever situation you find yourself in this week? What is the benefit to each of these steps?
Seek Grow Love 