Surprising Benefits of Suffering
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone” Isaiah 9:2. This verse is commonly used in connection with the...
Strength In Weakness: Not In Spite of but Because of
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest...
Afflictions of the Righteous and Sorrows of the Wicked
“In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order,...
Adversity In the Bible: How Much Control Do We Have?
“But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, ‘As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity’” 2 Samuel 4: 9. This verse tells us God delivered David...
What Does God Say About the Unjust Suffering of Joseph?
“Pharaoh said to his brothers, ‘What is your occupation?’ And they said to Pharaoh, ‘Your servants are shepherds, as our fathers were’” Genesis 47: 3. Apparently, all of Joseph’s brothers were shepherds, just as their father’s...
Power, Love and a Sound Mind: The Progression
“. . . for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” 2 Timothy 1: 7. I believe power is a prerequisite for walking in love. To me this...
This Momentary Light Affliction: Price of Glory
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” 2 Corinthians 4: 17. This verse came to mind one day, during a stressful period, when I was...
The Promise Land: Meaning and Significance
“When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the...
Wilderness In the Bible: To Do You Good in the End
“When the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as he has promised you, and you say, ‘I will eat meat,’ because you crave meat, you may eat meat whenever you desire” Deuteronomy 12: 20. I love this verse...
Suffer Well and Incur No Absolute Loss
“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of...