NT24 FastSample

Day 13 by Jane Spring, Elder of UPPERROOM Dallas

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 1-13

"Stand firm..."

Because "standing firm" in my faith is tested mainly by my thoughts, feelings, and actions, 2 Corinthians 1:24 was highlighted to me. There are terrible events in our lives that test our faith, but day to day, it is me that brings disappointment. How can I help myself? Paul says, "But I don't want to imply that as leaders, we coerce you or somehow want to rule over your faith. Instead, we are your partners who are called to increase your joy. And we know you already stand firm because of your strong faith." Paul says that a leader does not dictate what you must believe. So, a good leader, a teacher, or a parent will not have a heart intent on ruling over someone, even themselves. Instead, they help to increase joy. How does standing firm in faith come from an increased joy?

The more I worship God, sing His praise, consider His Word, and give Him my gratitude, the more understanding and appreciation for Him is in my heart. From a heart full of awe, my joy increases. I pay attention to what He is doing and how He fulfills His promises to me. My faith grows when I pay more attention to Him instead of my weakness. I look at Him, and I am stronger in joy. Then, the frustrations from my lack of knowledge, confusion, or mistakes do not keep me from a stronger faith. Amid trouble, I can stand firm. Paul says that troubles have "taught us to lose all faith in ourselves and to place all of our trust in the God who raises the dead." 2 Corinthians 1:9

So today, we can stand firm in our faith every time we miss the mark, knowing that we put our trust in the God who raised the dead! As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:2, we have "undeserved favor" and "endless peace" because of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!