02-08-10

SURROUNDED BY TROUBLE

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (II Corinthians 4:8, NIV)

No matter which way I turn, trouble surrounds me on every side.  My bills are overdue. My bank account is low, my house is in need of repairs, and my children need items which I don't have the money to buy.  When I think of everything that surrounds me today, I want to just give up and quit.

 The apostle Paul was surrounded by trouble too. He was beaten, jailed, hungered, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion and endured sleepless night (2 Corinthians 6:5). But although he was surrounded by troubles, he didn't let them crush him. Although he was perplexed about why so many bad things were happening to him, he didn't give in to despair.

 How was Paul able to keep going when surrounded by trouble?  By looking up rather than around.  As he looked up and prayed to the heavenly Father, God gave him the strength he needed not to be overwhelmed by all of his troubles (II Corinthians 12:9).

  Are you surrounded by trouble today?  Don't look around.  Look up! To the one who keep you from being crushed by every one of them.

 

Sharing the Word,


 
Jeaninne

Jeaninne Stokes is a local writer and Author living in Arlington, Texas.  Her writings have been published in Cross and Quill, The Christian Communicator, Hearts at home, Christian Woman Today Online and Harmony on the Go. She recently published her first book called Living by Faith: A Collection of Inspirational Poetry.  In February 2009, she launched J Stokes Writing Ministries with the mission to “offer inspirational devotionals, poetry, articles and gift products that teach people about the Word of God and inspire them to live the Christian faith.”  If you’d like to read more of her devotionals or learn more about her writing ministry, please visit her website at www.JStokesministries.com