Easter Devotional | 2019 - Day 11
I Can Keep Going
By Ryland Whitehorn
“God is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”2 Corinthians 9:8
True confession time. Sometimes I get discouraged. Sometimes I get really depressed. Sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. You know how it is. The troubles and heartaches of life keep hitting you like a wave, and just when you are getting back on your feet again, another wave knocks you down. That’s when I begin to ask myself, “Is this really worth it? I’m not sure I can keep going.”
When I get in one of those really low spots in life, I remind myself to rely on the promises from God’s Word that I know are always true and reliable.
First, God loves me, and Jesus is my Savior. That really is a big deal. The Creator of all there is loves us and sent His only Son to save us! I remind myself that in Hebrews 13:5-6, God promises me that as my helper, He will never leave or forsake me. No one can harm me, and I can keep going no matter how bad things may be in my life.
Secondly, I count my blessings. Hard to do when you are in the depths of despair. Yet, when I pause to think about the wonderful times in my life compared to the terrible times, I realize that the wonderful times outnumber the terrible times a thousand to one. I am reminded that 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, “God is able to bless us abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” It means everything to me to remember that even in that worst times of my life, God really does love me and has all that I need. That keeps me going.
Lastly, because Jesus conquered the grave—because He lives—I can keep going. Jesus took my sin and my shame upon Himself. He went to the cross and paid the penalty for my sin. He absolutely defeated Satan and death, all because He loves ME. When I remember that He saved me from sin and death and hell, I can keep going, and so can YOU. No matter what life may throw at you, when you call upon the name of Jesus and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, you will be set free and you will be able to keep going!
Remember the words to that great song of hope and encouragement? “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, then life is worth the living, just because He lives!”
Questions for Thought
- Do you currently have an area of your life where you are ready to throw in the towel?
- What truth from God’s Word do you need to cling to as a reminder that you can keep going?
Daily Challenge
As you pray today, take time to remember several specific blessings in your life and thank God for each of them. You will be amazed how good being thankful will make you feel.
Author Bio
Ryland Whitehorn
Ryland believes the church should be the center of our community, operating as a New Testament church to serve as "home" for thousands of people. Ryland and his wife, Renea, have two married daughters, Shea and Kelsi, and three grandchildren.