Good times isn’t perennial in life; they have no guarantee. Even before we could relish them, a new set of problem seem to knock our door. It is possible, right now, you are in the middle of a private battle. Perhaps, it’s so private that you can’t share with anyone, or it’s simply so intense, that it has robbed you of all your joy and peace. You may even feel that you are at the end of the road. May be your battle has lasted a long time and you are at the brink of giving up? In such moments, boasting gladly about weakness like Paul could be a distant dream, when you can’t even wear a smile.

In life, the biggest problem isn’t that we have a problem, but how do we deal with a problem, when we do face a problem. When problems are greater than our inner “shock-absorber”, then it begins to dominate our heart and mind. When it goes beyond our control, it shows up in frustrations. It spills over in anger for no apparent reason. Some slide into the puddle of fear, anxiety and depression–depression is a state of feeling hopeless, even to death. Is this true of you? or may not! Depression is nasty and a merciless master. Depression isolates us, throws in self-pity, devours us daily, little by little, until it ravages us. We read in the bible:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” —Psalms 34:19

Paul had an affliction too, yet he had learnt to be a happy man. In the absence of a problem, almost every soul seems joyful, but what if we learn to rejoice in weakness and adversities, isn’t this true victory?

Paul’s affliction “the thorn in the flesh” , also called it “a messenger of satan”, had troubled him so much, that, thrice did he bring the problem to God in prayer. Paul knew how to deal with his problem. Prayer was his only weapon, his only solution, we need to do the same. His prayer was answered in the most unusual way–God’s way. God said “My grace is sufficient for you..” God knows the best way to deal with our problems. We may not know how our issues will be resolved, but prayer alone can show the course that we must take to attain victory in our private battles. In Christ’s sufficiency, God had a provision for Paul’s private battle. God will not ignore your private battle either. Paul had learnt to delight in “weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties..”, because he knew, that life isn’t about perfect circumstances but about the Grace of God that perfected itself in his weakness. His Grace can bring a perfect victory over our adverse circumstances by changing us from within. When God touches our life, we are sure to change for good. Paul was a changed for good; are you?

Is there trouble anywhere; Our precious Savior He is still our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer!

Vinod

PRAYER:

Dear Father God, when we’re weak and heavy laden; cumbered with a load of care. Precious Jesus you are still our refuge, help us that we do not be discouraged but always learn to bring our everything in prayer. amen