He has an incurable brain tumor — and he has a wife and two young boys. No healing has been granted. How do they relate to the truckload of Scripture about an all-powerful God when they feel as if God is paralyzed?

Practically speaking, they need extra care. “We who are strong” (Romans 15:1) must choose to show up, be with them, and help with daily tasks. Just like Christ who chose not to please Himself (Romans 15:3).

But more may be needed. We need both other believers and the Scriptures to renew our trust in the God we serve. While we plead with God to break into our toughest realities, the lives of people in the Scriptures can support us emotionally.

From the beginning of Romans, Paul highlights the promises of the Scriptures. Then he states that “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Paul continues to say in Romans 15:13, ”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Humbly ask the God of hope to work in your heart and move you toward trusting in Him, to help you to accept each moment that He has allowed in your life, and to give you peace during the tough circumstances of your life.

O Lord, you understand if I pray like the person in Psalm 13, “How long will you forget me? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” You know how I feel. Please gather me to you with all the shattered fragments of my life and mind. Remind me of your presence and the truth of who you really are through the hours of this day. Encourage my heart, I pray. Amen.

Go Deeper — Write down Romans 15:13 and a time when, as you look back on a difficult situation, God came through for you or someone you know. Place it somewhere you can access it when you feel overwhelmed. Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to give you a deeper level of joy, peace, and hope, even if things seem to be hopeless.

Read Further — If you feel Crushed in Spirit or know someone who is right now, read this.



Tags: Romans Romans 15
Photo Credit: Jace Grandinetti