Bible Society of South Africa
Benescke Janse van Rensburg

New Hope (Part 1) – Day 12

New hope ... because God’s grace is sufficient for every situation

Bible text(s)

2 Corinthians 12

9But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.

2 Corinthians 12:9GNBOpen in Bible reader

Isaiah 40

31But those who trust in the LORD for help

will find their strength renewed.

They will rise on wings like eagles;

they will run and not get weary;

they will walk and not grow weak.

Isaiah 40:31GNBOpen in Bible reader

Philippians 4

6Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7GNBOpen in Bible reader

Various readers responded to Corlea’s testimony in which she shared how God restored her marriage. One specific reader wrote: “I currently find myself in a very challenging situation. My husband drinks a lot. It worries me, as he did not drink any alcohol when I met him years ago. We were in a terrible car accident a while ago, when he drank too many pills. I have spoken to God about the problem, but it feels as if I do not receive an answer. I am desperate and tired of life itself. Please help me!”

Do you feel the same as this reader, tired and overwhelmed by the current challenges in your life? To find yourself in a situation where you can only trust God, can simultaneously be the most frightening, but also the most liberating place in the world. Why? Because when we realise that only God can achieve a breakthrough, we stop making our own plans and allow him to demonstrate his greatness to us.

Have you given God control of your life and challenges or are you still trying to fight with your own strength? The words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 testify of God’s ability to strengthen us in difficult times: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And in Isaiah 40:31, God promises: “… those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Also in Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Are you losing hope for a breakthrough in your life? Remind yourself that God is Almighty. He can save your lost friends and family; he can give you wisdom to sort out your financial situation. He can take away your fear and replace it with absolute peace, once you start to trust him more to look after the challenges in your life. Don’t just ask the Holy Spirit to be a passenger in your car, ask him to be the driver – it might just make the world’s difference. God bless.

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