Last Tuesday was a long hard day in the hospital. After a heart procedure, there was a problem with bleeding afterwards. All that and no sleep started to get me down until a little after 3:00am. I was grateful for my nurses who came to my rescue several times with smiles and caring words. And then my mind went to one of the most powerful verses in the New Testament.

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

God used those verses to calm my anxiety, give strength to persevere, and to bring hope when I wasn’t feeling any.

But the number one passage I’ve gone back to time and time again is found in the Book of Lamentations. It has given me so much hope in the worst of my pain.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.” Lamentations 3:21-24

If the author of Lamentations can find hope in God surrounded by the atrocities of war, famine, and destruction, I can find it in my life.

When life and circumstances are overwhelming, Joshua 1:9 gives me the strength and courage to keep going. Let his encourage you to, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Whatever trial I face, I can take comfort from God’s presence and rely on His strength and His goodness. Though circumstances may be far beyond my power, they are never beyond His.

Let’s remember that our suffering is passing and only temporary, but the far greater glory to come will last forever! Everything will be set right and we will dwell with God forever, definitely a hope worth waiting and enduring for!

Through many hard and painful circumstances, these verses have been truths to hold onto, reminding me of the goodness of God, His strength, His faithfulness, as well as His presence with me and His working through it all!

Pressing On Together!

Pastor Paul