In His Grip
Our difficult circumstances do not have to be what defines us. We are more than the bad (or good!) things that happen to us. Rather, our difficulties can be the stage God chooses to showcase His grace and work in our lives.
God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can count on the fact that nothing is too difficult for Him (Luke 1:37).
God uses our trials. It’s in the uncertainty and darkness, the pain and confusion, that we learn to cling more tightly to Him. And in so doing, we realize even more that it isn’t us holding on to Him, but that He is holding on to us!
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen You, I will help You. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10).
This is rest. This is peace in the midst of hardship. And it is in this place of rest where we cease striving in our own efforts and trust that He’s got us; where we know He truly is our help and that He can take the driest, bleakest desert and make it fertile ground (Isaiah 41:18).
It is in this rest that we experience joy in the midst of trying circumstances because we can trust Him to work in us (James 1:2-4); He can bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3); and as He works in our situations, others can see and know that He is active in our lives today.
No, our difficult circumstances do not get to define or overwhelm us for we have courage knowing He is with us. We have hope because He is sovereign and in control of every detail. We have strength and help because He has promised it for us (Isaiah 41:10). He is the One who holds us up!
Lord, Thank You for the rest we have in You knowing You are holding us in Your grip. Be magnified as You hold us through all of life’s ups and downs. When we are afraid, may we put our trust in You (Psalm 56:3). May we not forget that we are held securely in Your grip. And this fills us with hope.
