Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

A blogger by the name of Brent Salyers posted the following

about things that happen to us that we don't always like...

"Things that we have no control over,

things that others have placed us in a position that we can't fix or change...

We have to play the hand that we were dealt...

How we play that hand is up to us.

Don't let your circumstances dictate the outcome of the situation you are in,

You determine the outcome...

(I would say, "God determines the outcome,

but our choices definitely do have an influence.)

In the game of cards,

you have to play the hand you're dealt.

But how you play that hand is very important.

If I play it wrong, I can be out,

If I play a great hand at the wrong time, I'm out.

If I play a bad hand at the right time, I can win...

My point: When you go through "stuff" (and we all do), remember,

You have the choice how that "hand you were dealt" is played...

play it right!"

Made me think of one of my favorite verses.

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation or trial has seized you except what is common to man.

The temptations and trials in your life are no different from what others experience.

And God is faithful; God is faithful!

...to His Word and to His compassionate nature,

He will not let you be tempted or tried beyond what you can bear.

God can be trusted

not to let you be tempted or tried too much,

But when you are tempted,

and I love this part...

He will also provide a way out

so that you can stand up under it.

God will provide a way so you can endure.

With the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out

(the means of escape to a landing place),

that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

- Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886