challenges Archives – Sonshine's Journal

2 Cor 12 Contentment

Our world is awash in trials and tribulations, persecutions and other traumas. Recently a pastor in Laos was murdered. Another church was burned as well as the church members’ crops destroyed. We read this from afar and our hearts hurt for these who lost so much. In our own country, a devastating hurricane has destroyed much, and many are without resources. Our own bodies are failing in so many ways. It seems that we are being bombarded front and back. Paul is telling the Corinthians and us to stand strong, be content. That is the hardest thing to do when you are feeling downhearted.

Contentment is a choice we must make, and it is a 24/7 decision. Paul wisely tells us that it is for the sake of Christ that we choose to be content, and we can say we can be content when we face these challenges.

So what challenges are you facing today? Are you weak? Has someone insulted your faith? Is your life full of troubles (family, finances etc.)? Are you being persecuted? No matter what can you step apart from these and say you are content and can face these for the sake of Christ?

Eccl 7-12 Solomon compares and contrasts the wise and the fool; from that, we can analyze our responses, and as the author of Proverbs, King Solomon has pondered this area of thought repeatedly. His wise principles are written for all of us to consider our ways.

The Preacher walks through his daily struggles by analyzing his choices. For example, he says it is better to receive a rebuke from those who are wise than to listen to the song of fools because fools laugh at calamity but do not change their ways. He also warns us to be careful of how we respond to oppression, for if we do not face it with calm resolve and patience; we may end up responding just like the fool!

To sum up, he reminds the reader that wisdom, like an inheritance, is good. The writer of James reminds the reader that one needs wisdom and should go and ask God to will provide just what is needed for the moment.

Self Talk: Am I wise or a fool today? How do I respond to challenges? When I face the end of my life, will I have done what has been wise?

Tag: challenges

10.16.24. For the sake of Christ

Self Talk