Experiencing Ability in Trials

By Paul Chappell

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

II Corinthians 12:9

I once read a story of a Christian singer who was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue. Just before the surgery that would remove both the cancer and his ability to sing, he questioned the doctor. "Sir, are you sure that I will never sing again after this surgery?" The doctor nodded.

The patient asked if he could sit up for a moment. "I’ve had many good times singing the praises of God," he reminisced. "And now you tell me I can never sing again. I have one song that will be my last. It will be of gratitude and praise to God. "And there in the operating room, the man sang God’s praise in the words of Isaac Watts’ hymn: "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, and when my voice is lost in death. Praise shall employ my nobler power; my days of praise shall ne'er be past while life, and thought, and being last, or immortality endures."

This elderly man experienced the power of God while enduring a great trial. Because we know the same God of that man, we can experience the same power. God enables us to bear trials and afflictions through His great power.

We may not think we are able to bear the death of a loved one or the loss of a job; and truthfully, we can't. But we serve a God who gives us His power and strength to go through any difficulty.

Take comfort in knowing that you have the ability, God's power, to endure and overcome the trials in your life. Ask God to give you strength and power for whatever difficulty you face today.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Through trials, God gives us His grace, strength, and power.