Thursday, June 5, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: 2 Thessalonians 1

A couple of weeks ago, I had a really bad day. 

I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me to do something that I didn’t want to do. I already had a lot on my plate, but I knew I had to obey God. I got up early to accomplish all the stuff I had to do. I am ashamed to admit that once I finished this difficult task, I felt pretty prideful about it. Things were going well, except I felt tired and overwhelmed. 

Then I got a phone call at the worst possible time. My dad was ill and needed to go to the ER. I was very worried about him, but I was right in the middle of cooking a meal. I looked around my kitchen and couldn’t figure out how I was going to do everything. Thankfully, my wonderful husband stepped in and offered to take him to the hospital while I finished up. 

I wish I could say that this changed my attitude, but I was still overwhelmed, wondering, “Why, God? I obeyed you and yet this happened.” I got angry, started blaming other people in my head, and then I lost what was left of my peace and joy. I was so focused on my problems, I couldn’t even pray.

Romans 8:26
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Praise God! He has given us the Holy Spirit, who prays for us when we are overwhelmed and hopeless. It can be difficult to see God working when we are focused on the issue instead of who he is - strong, powerful, and loving. We don’t need to stress about our problems. God is capable of providing what we need and walking with us through the struggle.

When you begin to feel defeated and hopeless, remember to stop and take a few deep breaths. Then, close your eyes and focus on how amazing our God is. He is always faithful and trustworthy. Surrender your struggles to him. He can handle it.

Questions:
How do you handle difficult situations?

How does it make you feel to know the Holy Spirit prays for us, even when we can’t pray for ourselves?

Next Steps:
When you are overwhelmed, take a deep breath and surrender your concerns to God in prayer. Focus on our God who is bigger than all our problems.

Prayer:
Glorious Father, I am amazed at how much you love us. You have given us your Holy Spirit to pray for us when we are unable to pray for ourselves. Help me to take my focus off myself and focus on you. I can trust you because you are so faithful. I revere you! I am so grateful and thankful that you are such an awesome God. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

This post was written by Marsha Raymond, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.