[8] we are treated as impostors, and yet are true; [9] as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; [10] as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. [2 cor 6:8-10]
i want you to “be still” and “wait” on the Lord today in this passage. “be still” and know, be in the presence of your God. [ps 46:10] “be still” before the Lord and wait patiently for him. [ps 37:7] “wait” for the Lord – in the waiting he will fill you with his strength and courage. [ps 27:14] the Lord is good to those who “wait” for him. [lam 3:25]
how can you wait on the Lord in this passage? focus on vs 10. (if you have time you can do vs 8-10.) focus on each phrase with the countering statements: sorrowful – always rejoicing; poor – making many rich; having nothing – possessing everything. think on each phrase asking the following questions? as you do, give God some time to answer. what does he bring to your mind from the word, from your heart? (remember, your heart can deceive us, so make sure and ask from thoughts from the word. it is truth.) here are the questions:
- which phrase do you feel more right now? why?
- how has God made you this in Christ or how is God doing this in Christ, regardless of how you feel?
- how hard is it to believe you are the second word in this pair? why?
as you wait and hear from the Lord, write down what you hear, what you sense. God is going to ask you to believe some truths about who you are versus what you feel. at the end, pray for belief. pray for truth to be sweet, to taste good, to be like honey on your lips. pray for truth to replace lies. pray that you can rest in these truths today. ask God’s presence through his Holy Spirit to bring them to remembrance all day. this is who you are and what God is doing in you! praise the Lord!
Father, give me patience to wait. give me your courage and strength as i do! give me your truth, may it fight against the lies i “feel” today. i believe – yes, i believe, but help my unbelief today! all day, may your Spirit remind me of who i am in Christ and what you are doing through Christ. in Jesus name, amen!
~ john ryan