By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

I recently heard the story of a couple whose building plans were approved for their first house. They were excited to start building. During the preparation phase in which the builders clean the plot before they start to dig the foundation, they,however, experienced an obstacle. A stubborn rock was found exactly where the living room was supposed to be built according to the building plan.

After several failed attempts to dig out the big, heavy rock, the builders gave up hope to remove it. The owners agreed to keep the rock and they changed the building plan somewhat to use the rock is a focal point in the room.

We too at times experience challenges in our lives. Maybe your challenge is the fact that you are the only believer in your workplace and therefore constantly experience opposition due to your faith. Or maybe you received bad news about your health; you remain unemployed despite sending out a great number of CVs; the rain continues to stay away even though you pray day and night for relief from the drought; or maybe you recently lost that unborn baby you have been praying and waited for for so long. How do you pray now? Do you still stand firm in your faith, trusting the One who provides? 

In 1 Corinthians 16:13 we read: "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” In Psalm 125:1 writes the Psalmist:“Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever.” In another Bible translation a person standing firm in faith is compared to a rock that cannot be moved with a crane or crowbar. He simply stands firm.

Even though at times we might feel too weak to even take one step forward, we can know that God knows our circumstances. In 1 Corinthians 13:10 we read: “ ... God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.” And in 2 Corinthians 12: 9 is written: "My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect when you are weak."

May we be like that stubborn rock, standing firm in faith despite challenging situations, whilereminding ourselves of God’s ability to establish our breakthrough. In due time, after we have passed the test and received the breakthrough, this difficult situation might just becomes a "focal point" in our faith walk, to remind us of God’s goodness. God bless.

Father God, thank You for knowing how much I can bear. Please, strengthen me today and lead me through your Holy Spirit with supernatural wisdom when I need it. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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