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.
Would you like to know more about making plans? Contact us at 425-432-0634 or www.taylorcreekchurch.org. We would love to talk to you about the hope we can have in Christ. You can also join us every Sunday at 9 a.m. for Sunday School and 10:15 a.m. for Worship. 21110 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley.
