Be Encourage!

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

I was watching the news about a month ago during the time of the Tsunami in Japan. The morning I was watching the news, a lady was being interviewed in a town that was destroyed. Before she spoke, I could see the hopelessness in her eyes. She stated during the interview that she did not know what she was going to do and how she would recover from the devastation. There were city officials that told her she would have to leave the area because of exposure to radiation. Can you imagine being told to pick-up and leave everything you are familiar with?

Often times in our lives, God allows devastation, disappointment and discouraging situations to occur. Life can be unstable at times and in the midst of the unstable situations, we have to make choices. Have you ever had to make a choice in the midst of an unstable situation? It can be quite discouraging because the outcome may look unfavorable for you.

The apostle Paul writes this letter to the church at Ephesus while he was experiencing some difficulties in his own life. He is in a Roman jail cell but he is writing to encourage others. Can I ask you a question? How many of us can be a source of encouragement to others while we are going through our own personal struggles? Paul encourages the saints at Ephesus by telling them in verse 10 to take a look back at what they had previously been taught. Often times in our life we have to look back to go forward. Paul wanted them to be prepared for what was ahead of them. Paul also shares with them that they are not alone as they face life's difficulties.

Sometimes in life you may feel like your struggle is unique. Someone has been through it or is either presently going through the same struggle. As you go forward handling your struggle remember God will empower you no matter what arena of struggle you encounter. The empowerment can only take place if you make yourself open and available to God.

Have you surrendered yourself to God in the midst of your struggle? Surrendering is key to overcoming life's struggles. Every one of us has to realize we can't make it on our own strength and we are totally dependent on God. If you are tired and fatigued because of life's struggles, I challenge you to pray to God. Tell God you surrender to Him and you surrender the “struggle” to Him.

May God bless and keep you is my prayer.