The person who first made the statement “life is not easy” speaks on behalf of all of us. We can all attest that life can be extremely difficult and discouraging at times. Each day can have a new set of problems and setbacks. No one understands this more than the beloved president Abraham Lincoln.
At the age of seven, he had to go to work to help support his family. At nine, his mother died. At twenty-two, he lost his job as a store clerk. At twenty-three, he went into debt and became a partner in a small store. At twenty-six, his partner died leaving him a huge debt. At twenty-five he was elected to Legislature. At age twenty-six his sweetheart died. At age twenty-seven he had a nervous breakdown. By the age of thirty-five, he had been defeated twice when running for a seat in Congress. At the age of thirty-seven, he won the election. At thirty-nine, he lost his reelection bid. At forty-one, his four-year-old son died. At forty-two, he was rejected for a land officer role. At forty-five, he ran for the Senate and lost. At forty-seven, he was defeated for the nomination for Vice President. At forty-nine, he ran for Senate again and lost again. At the age of fifty-one, he was elected President of the United States.
Even in the most trying and disparaging moments of life, Lincoln remained faithful. What kept him from the defeat of discouragement? I believe the power behind his perseverance is shared in his own words as he writes “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me seemed insufficient for the day.” Is this not what the Lord exhorts us to do? “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6–7
Are you discouraged? Take some advice from a man who knew what discouragement was all about and how to overcome it on his knees before the Lord.
Like to know more? I would love to talk with you, pray for you, and help you discover God’s truth and hope for life. Find out more at www.taylorcreekchurch.org. If you would like to join us this Sunday in person, email us at tccdirectionforlife@gmail.com or call us as 425-432-0634. You can also join us via livestream by going to the TCC website and click on the livestream link. Sunday worship begins at 10:20 a.m.
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