Practical Advice

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” –Hebrews 10:23-25 

Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Romans 3:23-24, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”

God does not promise that we will escape suffering and pain in this fallen world, but he does promise to be with us through it. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1–3)

Life is full of storms. When we find ourselves in the midst of one, and the waves are crashing into our boat, we should turn to the one who has the power to calm the wind and command the sea, saying, “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39).

When we face challenges in life, sometimes we find ourselves wanting to solve our problems impatiently without discernment or searching for proper spiritual guidance. Or we could find ourselves complaining about our situation in anger or even wallowing in self-pity.  Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.“

 When you speak, consider how your words can give constructive grace that will help others mature in Christ. Ephesians 4:29 encourages us to “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up,”