There will be times when we find ourselves between “a rock and a hard place,” as the saying goes. Paul the Apostle knew of these difficult places and could testify, “we are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8)

There is a way out that seems easy, that is, to simply give up. Cease from trying. To abandon. And we are tempted to justify the surrender because the effort to press on seems overwhelmingly hard. But that is deception, not the truth and the life in Jesus.

We are sojourners on this earth, until the day we meet Jesus face to face. Life in a fallen world has difficulties, and as believers, we are also called to share in the sufferings of Jesus, as well as to share in his favor. We know that God in His faithfulness will give us a good return for our endeavors, even in a time of famine, hardship or unrest. 

We have learned through patient trust in God, that we no longer have to strive with God, our fellow man, nor ourselves. (Hebrews 10:36) We work because God enables us to work and is the one who blesses the work of our hands. (Deuteronomy 28:12) We share the gospel because Jesus said to, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to know what to do and say. (Luke 12: 8,12) Ultimately, those who are faithful in Jesus will receive a resurrection like his (Romans 6:5).

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You for Your provision in Jesus for us to grow up in every way into the fullness of Messiah. Equip me, Lord God, for the work of ministry. Help me not to be tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, or by craftiness of deceitful scheming. Deliver me from religious platitudes and make me a blessing on the earth. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place? James 5:13 instructs us, “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray.” Meditate on the Scriptures in today’s devotion and ask God to show you the path to realizing these great and precious promises in the situation.