Hope Is on the HorizonSample
Today Is Only Temporary
…For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us….
Romans 8:18 (AMPC)
When life is difficult and we’re not particularly happy with our circumstances, it can feel like things will never change. I believe our enemy, Satan, likes to use the “always” and “never” lies to keep us discouraged. He’ll come at us with thoughts like, You’ll never amount to anything…Your child will always have this problem…You will never get out of debt.
Especially during challenging times, it’s helpful to remember that things will change...a new season is always right around the corner. In our family, when difficult things are happening, we like to say, “This too shall pass.” I encourage you to do the same. Maybe you’re having a financial difficulty, relationship problems, or a tough time battling an illness. It’s important to remind yourself that it won’t last forever.
It also helps to have an eternal perspective. Romans 8:18 says, …For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us… (AMPC). When we look at our problems in light of eternity—focusing on who God is and how truly blessed we are—it begins to change how we see things.
Psalm 34:3 (AMPC) says, O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. How do we magnify the Lord? We thank Him for the good things He is doing in our lives. We give Him praise for who He is, how much He loves us, and for the wonderful things He will do in the future.
To put it simply, when we magnify the Lord, we make Him “bigger” than our problems. When we place our focus on Him and His goodness, we suddenly have more faith and hope that God can and will help us through it all.
Maybe today you feel stuck in neutral and feel like nothing’s happening. Maybe you’re believing God for improved health, a better job, or for a turnaround in a relationship. Or the Lord has given you a big vision for your life but it seems like little has happened after so much time has already passed. If this is you, I want to encourage you that God is always working! He’s working right now behind the scenes to bring solutions, breakthroughs, and answered prayers. In the meantime, He wants you to stay filled with hope.
Hebrews 12:1 (AMPC) says, ...Let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us.
Patience is a big part of faith and hope. Most things won’t happen overnight, and faith requires us to wait for God’s appointed time without giving up or wavering. Patience is an attitude that says, “I’m going to stay calm and believe God is going to do exactly what He said He’s going to do!”
Remember, today is only temporary, and the difficult things won’t always be this way. But as you trust God and refuse to give up hope, nothing can stop Him from blessing your life in amazing ways.
Prayer Starter: “Father, I know some things in my life look really big right now. You see what they are, and I know You are with me. In the midst of these things, I thank You that change will come, and You already have a plan. Help me to live with patience and endurance, knowing good things are on the way. When life is overwhelming, help me to see the big picture. Let me focus on You and see my life in a whole new way. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Scripture
About this Plan
Do you believe that good things are on the way? Even when life gets “cloudy,” God wants to remind you that He loves you, He’s fighting for you…and He has great things in store! In this 7-day study, Joyce shares how to relax in God’s never-ending faithfulness and live a life filled with His unquenchable hope.
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