Nougat 14

Today’s Holy Nougat offers a reminder that there’s God’s light at the end of the tunnel.

“For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our trouble that happened in Asia. We were under great pressure—so far beyond our strength that we despaired even of living.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭TLV‬‬

They had been at the end of their rope. Challenges seem to have sprouted and replicated themselves everywhere they were. My wise aunt would say ‘punkas pon top a pankas!’ (I am not entirely sure of the literal translation but it captures the sense). They, ie Paul and co., seemed to have hit rock bottom while away from home. That couldn’t be easy. That they could narrate what happened, even in précis, says they overcame.

But how?

When troubles find us and seem to have received permanent resident status in our lives; there’s only one recourse for the children of God.

We find Jesus.

I agree. Jesus isn’t lost. At best, if we can’t find Him; we are lost. Nevertheless, I suggest that when life becomes beyond bearable; when we are surrounded on every side and drowning; it’s time to find Jesus. To get wrapped, tied and tangled up in Jesus. Remember John’s description of Jesus in John 1? He is the Living Word or the Word become Human. So we cry out for The Word. We use the Word to encourage ourselves and even get wise counsel for the way forward.

Of course, it’s unlikely that we can quote the Word without having known the Word for ourselves. We thus need to begin knowing the Word from now. Study. Have the Word part of our daily routine. For the evil days WILL come. Regardless of whether we faced similar ones previously or not. The Good News is that God is with us through it all. And that’s a Word guarantee (Matt 28:20). Whether we feel God’s presence in Jesus or not. Especially when we are panicking.

Further, I propose that we try being still. I confess I’m still working on that. However being still says we realize God is God and we are NOT. It acknowledges that our Triune God can sort things out. Our testimony might not look like our neighbors’ and that’s alright. It’s when we are still that we can hear.

So if we are currently at the end of our rope; hold on. Apply The Word. Cry out to Jesus for help and Be Still as we await His direction. Then act.

If we’re not in that space; great. It’s the perfect opportunity to pray for someone who is in that space; and perhaps to be a vessel of transformation on the person’s behalf.

God bless you

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May all we seek be found in Christ