“For all God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’’” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The apostle Paul penned these words to explain the strength and holiness with which he endured exceedingly great hardships and trials. By trusting in God’s promises, Paul learned not to rely on his own resources and strength. He found that God, through Christ, “makes both us and you stand firm” (2 Corinthians 1:21). He learned to depend on the grace of God.

God’s promises explain what we, through coming to Christ and believing Him, can receive. Like Paul, without hardships we will never experience all that’s available to us through the indwelling Spirit of Christ. How often do we fall into despair when difficulties come? Yet they are the very catalysts through which God’s greatest provision is released and His incredible promises fulfilled. Without difficult circumstances we would not fully experience God’s promise that He:

“…will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

An Irish myth says that we can find our hopes and dreams at the end of a rainbow — the proverbial pot of gold. In contrast, the promises of God, supernaturally fulfilled by the ultimate Promise Keeper, are a reality we can rely on. Consider what lies at the end of God’s promises to His children:

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

On what promise of God do you need to stand today? Come to Him. Believe Him. Then wait to receive from Him the fulfillment of all He has promised and provided for you in Christ Jesus.

We, like Oliver, have a similar story. Once separated from our true Benefactor and Creator, we were lost and without hope in a dark and sinful world. Our sins separated us from our Father. Aware of the toll that our sin-marred condition was having upon us, our heavenly Father sought us when we were far from Him. Foretelling His plans to rescue us through our Savior, Jesus Christ, God proclaimed through the prophet Isaiah:

“Comfort, Comfort My people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, her sin has been paid for” (Isaiah 40:1-3).

He goes on to say:

“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory” (Isaiah 43:6-7).

We have lived as unloved orphans, trying to cope with life disconnected from our Maker. Wounded by other broken people, we have searched for significance, love and identity in the wrong places. Dominated by our selfish desires, lie-based beliefs and prideful inclinations, we have suffered the regret of living for a false purpose, our own glory.

Jesus died to rescue us from the poverty and ruin of sin and self. Hear His voice call you to come to Him. He longs to lift you from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you. Take your eyes off of yourself and fix them on Jesus. He will restore you into your rightful inheritance, experiencing His intimate love and saving power in your life for the glory of your Father’s name.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

1 John 3:1

When a small pebble is tossed into a still pond, it causes the surrounding water to ripple outward in concentric circles. Similarly, a single event, act or choice can have multiple, far-reaching effects. A well dug in an impoverished area provides clean water, resulting in less disease and improved health for the people. As a result, the quality of education rises and the level of employment increases. World events such as natural disasters and the threat or onset of war effect financial markets. The market’s response ripples outward to national economies, and ultimately to the citizens. Is anything in this life exempt from a ripple effect?

The effect of Jesus’ death and resurrection has life-altering implications on us today:

“Just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men” (Romans 5:18).

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4b).

Because Jesus was obedient to the Father, bearing our sins on the cross, we can live a new life: empowered by His Spirit and free from sin. According to Scripture:

“…the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” (Romans 6:22b).

Yet the ripple effect of our everyday choices can thwart our experience and enjoyment of this new life. Every thought, every small decision, every word spoken has ripple effects. Consider, what will “ripple” from dwelling on a lie-based thought versus taking that thought captive and meditating instead on what God says is true. Think about the ripple effect of diligently seeking God versus making your relationship with Him a low priority.

Do you look for immediate gratification in the “pebbles” you cast throughout each day? Like Jesus, let’s consider the ripple effect of every choice:

“…who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.”

Hebrews 12:2

The most famous fictional superhero of all time is Superman. Originating from another planet, he possesses superhuman strength and abilities. Superman uses his powers to fight evil, uphold good and protect the innocent. In his secret identity as Superman, the shy Clark Kent rises up with steely resolve to face injustice. His civilian character is transformed to match the boldness of his superhero costume.

Why is Superman so revered in our culture? Deep within us is the recognition that we need a savior from the besetting evils that confront us as individuals and a society. We esteem the character of a superhero and long to emulate his goodness.

The greatest living superhero of all time came down from heaven, born supernaturally from Mary’s womb. Mary wondered how this could be.

“And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35).

The eternal superhero was named Jesus, meaning “savior.” He was God incarnate, stepping out of the glory of heaven, veiled in human flesh, to save His people from their sins.

Captive to the dominion of Satan’s lies and selfish desires, we were prisoners needing to be set free. Clothed in love, humility, righteousness and justice, Jesus came to earth as our superhero to undo and destroy the works of the devil who ruled over us. He accomplished our salvation through His death and resurrection upon the cross. He has made you His child, an heir of His holiness and supernatural strength through faith in His name.

Are you keeping your Superhero’s glorious identity hidden by relying on your own strength in difficult circumstances? Let Him burst forth and reveal Himself to you in His true glory and power. Receive and believe His words. Exchange your old wretched garments of unbelief, pride and self-sufficiency for His distinctive garb of humility and love. Surrender to the authority of His wonder-working Spirit. The ultimate Superman will deliver you safely through every circumstance, revealing the power of His name.

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.”

Psalm 147:5

Most people love a good story. Combine drama, romance and suspense with a well-placed music score and many of us will sit in a crowded theater, eating overpriced, nutritionally void food, and call it entertainment. We like to be thrilled and inspired by a good storyline.

We all have a story. Yet the very elements — the drama, romance and suspense — we love in a good movie or book can be the source of suffering in our own lives. For the difficulties and tragedies that are part of our stories, as well as the ones we will walk through with others, may the words of the psalmist be our guide:

“This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your Word has revived me and given me life” (Psalm 119:50).

What did the psalmist grasp that could comfort and strengthen our aching hearts, overwhelmed minds and frazzled emotions? The psalmist knew from experience the power of God’s Word. God’s Word revived him. God’s Word sustained him. God’s Word gave him life.

We will experience difficult and painful circumstances. Yet we bring added affliction upon ourselves when we embrace lies about God or fail to believe in His promised provision. King David said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want” (Psalm 23:1). David spoke this truth because in times of affliction he discovered that God was his Shepherd. No matter how his circumstances left him wanting, he did not have to be in want. This experience of God’s provision was and is today — a choice.

God tells us:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

These three commands work in harmony. You can be patient during times of affliction by placing your hope in who God is and all He has promised for you. Hope comes as you are faithful in prayer. You can speak to God the very truths He has spoken to you in His Word. You can hear God speak His words of truth and comfort back to you.

Viewing his story through the lens of truth, the psalmist found patience and hope as he cried out to God:

“Do good to your servant according to Your Word, O Lord…You are good, and what You do is good” (Psalm 119:65,68).