[Faith-talk] FW: [URCTCPrayerGroup2] Bible Verse for today 5/12

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: "chosenbygod316" <chosenbygod316 at yahoo.com>
To: URCTCPrayerGroup2 at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [URCTCPrayerGroup2] Bible Verse for today 5/12
Date: 
Wed, 12 May 2010 15:38:21 -0000

Are you suffering from heartache, pain, or diffiiculty? I hope today's
verse will help you through it.

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a
foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were
heirs with him of the same promise.Hebrews 11:9

The accounts of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob span chapters 11-49 of
Genesis. Each was filled with faults and troubles. The struggles they
had with their wives, children, and health are no different than ours
today. Favoritism when dealing with others, deceit in relationships and
stubbornness to yield to the better path seemed to plague them.

Abraham gave in to bad advice which resulted in the birth of Ishmael
? something which later caused him enormous heartache. Isaac had to
send his son Jacob away before his other son Esau killed him. Jacob
didn't restrain his children and ended up dealing with murder,
incest, and immense heartache. It's easy to look at our lives today
and think about how dysfunctional they are, but comparing them to these
patriarchs shows that our situations are pretty normal after all.

We may think our health problems aren't deserved or are greater than
they should be, but the Bible records these men suffered from the same
conditions. Today however we have medical facilities we can go to. And
if we're laid up at home, we have TVs, air conditioners,
refrigerators full of yummy food, etc. These people "lived in
tents," had no access to the local grocery store, and had to suffer
their pains without painkillers or air conditioned environments.

When you think on the difficulties your children are giving you,
remember that these men went through the same or worse. When you think
you've mismanaged your family relationships, don't forget that
they messed up just as badly. And as you suffer through illness or
disease, no matter how bad it is, these people suffered with the same
? but in much harsher conditions. In the end though, they're
remembered for one thing above all else ? they lived by faith.

When your time is up, God will reward you based on your faith as well.
Instead of looking at the trials, pains, and troubles as insurmountable,
look at them as gifts which challenge your faith. You'll be rewarded
as you keep your eyes on and faith in Jesus.

Jesus, You know the pains of my heart, body, and soul; pains which never
seem to end. You know my weakness in facing them and how hard it is to
endure each day. Be with me, strengthen me, and give me the faith to
endure through each difficult moment. And may You alone be glorified as
I prevail by Your might. Amen.