Because of Your Faith
Date: November 21, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse in NIV: "In all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith." 2 Corinthians 7:4
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Lord, help me understand the message in this verse. Open my heart to your wisdom and encouragement. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: This verse is from a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, a group of early Christians. Paul had faced many challenges and difficulties in spreading the message of Jesus. In this letter, he's talking about the tough times he and his fellow believers experienced, but despite all the hardships, they found encouragement in the strong faith of the Corinthians.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Distress": This word means difficult situations or troubles.
"Persecution": This refers to being treated badly or unfairly because of one's beliefs.
"Encouraged": To be given hope or support.
S - Summarize and Share:
Today’s verse has a beautiful message of encouragement for all of us, especially when life gets a bit bumpy. The Apostle Paul shares something that I think is truly heartening.
Imagine this verse as a warm hug from a dear friend when you're going through a tough time. Paul reminds us that even in the face of distress and persecution, we're not alone in this journey of faith. It's like a little whisper from God, saying, "I've got your back, and so do your fellow believers."
Life can sometimes feel like a stormy sea, right? The waves of distress might seem overwhelming. But remember, your faith is your lifeline, and the faith of those around you is like a sturdy lifeboat. Together, we can navigate through even the roughest waters.
Here's the best part: this verse encourages us not just to receive support but also to be that source of encouragement for others. When we stand strong in our faith, even when life isn't all sunshine and rainbows, we become living proof of God's grace. Our unwavering faith can inspire and uplift those around us, just like the Corinthians did for Paul.
So, let's hold onto our faith as if it were a lifeline, my friend. Let's not only find comfort in our faith but also be a shining light for others in their stormy moments. Together, we're part of a beautiful community of believers, a support system that helps us all sail through life's ups and downs.
4 Bible Cross References:
1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 (NIV): "Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord."
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV): "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
Romans 15:4 (NIV): "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV): "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer."