GIVE UP YOUR STRUGGLE

“When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not” (1 Peter 2:23).

An amazing truth connected with Christ’s suffering is that He never once defended Himself against those who mistreated Him. He punished no one and never retaliated in any way.

How unlike us! When our suffering becomes unbearable, we defend ourselves, protecting our rights and reputation. Sometimes we even threaten God without even knowing what we are doing. But when our prayers go unanswered or disaster strikes and it seems like the Lord has let us down, we pull back from Him. When we are in pain or feel lonely and sad, we begin to drift. We slack up on our Bible reading and prayer and our faith becomes dull and inactive.

Every time we back off from seeking the Lord with a whole heart, we are threatening Him. In a way we are saying, “Lord, I did my best and You let me down.” He loves us so much and He has infinite patience with us when we hurt. He lovingly waits until we return to His tender care.

We must be careful that we do not allow our attitudes to lead us away from Him. If we refuse to wake up and renew our faith and hope in Him, we can become so disillusioned that we give in to our lusts and passions. We say, “What’s the use? I try so hard but I can’t seem to stay in victory. I call out to God for help and deliverance but nothing ever happens.”

When we indulge ourselves in this way, we are threatening God. It’s our way of “getting even” with Him for not answering prayer on our schedule.

The Lord alone is our keeper and He will not allow His children to fall. Let us do as Christ did when He “committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). To commit means to place your life completely in His hands.

Dearly beloved, there is hope! Give up your struggle to accomplish anything in your own strength and commit the keeping of your body and soul to the Lord of hosts!