Let's be honest, our world is very broken. Wars, violence, shootings, riots, and so much more evil happens in our world. With all the negative weighing us down, how do we stay strong? This devotional will guide you into staying strong in faith in this fallen world we live in.
Core Verse: Romans 8:22-25
Written By: Darius
If you've been on the internet recently, you've likely seen how broken our world is. It seems like every week there's another school shooting or an act of targeted violence. There's anger, hate, and division surrounding politics and beliefs. Even among Christians we at times see violence, disagreement, and bitterness. In a world so evil and corrupted, it can be hard to see God working.
In the last few months I've often found myself being weighed down by this sadness. With all the tragedy and horrors that we see happen every day, it can be hard to stay positive and motivated to keep going.
Core Verse
Romans 8:22-25:
"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits — we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience."
The Groaning of Creation
This verse reminds us of a painful reality we often feel. Paul writes "the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now." Just like labor pains are real, intense, and tiring, so are the pains of suffering caused by sin in the world. As followers of Christ, we know this hurt too. The world's brokenness weighs on our hearts, and we feel the same groaning in our souls. We see the darkness around us and grieve the evil at work.
Unseen Hope
In those moments, it can be easy to lose hope, but Paul reminds us of something important: "hope that is seen is not hope". True hope looks past what we can see or feel right now. Even when we don't see change, and even when the pains of the world feel so heavy and evil, we still have that hope and faith in Christ. If we hope for what we do not see, we find strength to endure. That hope allows us to wait with patience, even as we eagerly long for the day our pain will be relieved through Christ.
Strength in Faith
This hope we have in Christ doesn't just help us endure hardship, it fuels our faith. Faith isn't passive. It's active trust in the Lord even when life feels heavy. When the world does evil and opposes God, you can either remain on the sidelines, or step forward into faith.
When life feels overwhelming, our strength is found in choosing faith over fear, and standing firm in Christ. Imagine the impact we could have if every believer stepped out in this strength. How many lives could be changed if we overcame fear and shared Christ boldly wherever we went?
Reflection & Prayer
Reflection Questions:
Where do you feel the brokenness of the world weighing on your heart?
How can you choose faith over fear in your life this week?
What would it look like for you to stand strong in Christ in the face of opposition?
Prayer:
Lord, You know the brokenness of this world more than any of us can comprehend. In a world where sin is becoming normalized, Christians are being persecuted, and many more evil things are happening, it can be hard to see Your light.
In a world filled with so much evil, I thank you for the hope we have through Christ. We know that You have a plan for all of us, and that You work not just through the good moments, but even the bad.
Help me to live with active and courageous faith, and to not be afraid of man. I pray that you'll give me the strength to spread Your word, to live courageously, and to stand firm when life gets hard.
Amen.
Related Article: Why Do We Experience Suffering?
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Comments
Thanks for sharing this. Very timely.