Hope...

I am going through a study called No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern-day Idols by Kelly Minter. Today was a reflection of times when we feel powerless like the Israelites while captive in Egypt. They were faced with a situation that was totally beyond them and they recognized their powerlessness and cried out to God. God heard their cry and delivered them which gives us hope. Hope in times when we  say "I can't do this" or " I have no idea what to do". I love the question Kelly posed about times when we feel this way,  "Could this be exactly where God wants us, in order to show Himself strong on our behalf?" Why do we struggle to conquer things that are beyond our control? We must recognize our powerlessness not to be discouraged but encouraged that through the power of Christ we have hope. If we can accept the truth of our own weakness while accepting the gifts of His strength, He will accomplish it. I love 2 Corinthians 1:8-10. In verse 8 Paul was explaining in his letter the afflictions they were facing. He describes them as far beyond his ability to endure.  The hope come in verse 9, after speaking of the afflictions/trials he says "BUT that (the affliction) was to make us to rely NOT on ourselves BUT on God who raises the dead". How amazing despite how terrible or horrific the afflictions Paul was faced with he had hope in one who's strength is made perfect in our weakness. He goes on to say in verse 10 "He has delivered us and He WILL deliver us. So on Him we have set our hope for Him to deliver us again". Paul was faced with numerous situations that were far beyond his control yet he had hope. Hope not in himself but a faithful God. Be encouraged today that no matter what you are struggling that makes you feel powerless. Recognize the hope that is found in His strength and faithfulness.