The Cambridge english dictionary defines a bruise as an injury or mark where the skin has not broken but is darker in color, often as a result of being hit by something. How many times have you been hit by life? Suffered from marital issues, loss, health issues, family or financial concerns, anything. Life tends to hit you sometimes where it hurts and you bruise. Not physically but emotionally. The pain many of us suffer from by the bruises of life may feel and seem unbearable. That is, when you look at it in your own strength it appears that the pain and appearance of the bruise will never go away. But our GOD is so faithful! In the midst of your situation he gives you peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. In the midst of the pain, peril, or persecution his grace is sufficient for you. Paul discusses in 2 Corinthians 12: 7-9 a thorn that was placed in his flesh. I know this sounds severe and I can only imagine the excruciating pain he was feeling. He proceeds to explain how he pleaded with the lord to remove the thorn but the Lord said to him, ” My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Paul continues on to say how he would boast all the more gladly in his weakness , so that Christs power may rest on him, he also stated that he delighted in weaknesses in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties because when he is weak then he is strong. The bruise life has caused you is just that a bruise. A temporary mark that will go away. Don’t let a temporary mark (situation, hardship) cause you a life time of pain because God has greatness in store for you. In the midst of your weakest moments he will give you the strength you need to perservere. Just seek him. The enemy comes to steal kill and destroy but God comes to give us life. (John 10:10) You are his masterpiece. Believe it! I want to encourage anyone that may be walking around with the bruises of life on them to let go and let GOD! Cast your cares upon him and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths strait (Proverbs 3:5&6) I leave you with these last verses from 2 Corinthians listed below be encouraged my sisters and brothers, God is our vindicator and you have the victory so do not lose heart.
♥ Tiffany Roshell
2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
3 Times the Faith 