Tag: tribulation

God Is Present

God Is Present by Kirk Hunt

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Acts 16:25-26 NKJV
Please also read Acts 16:16-30

Consider Paul and Silas’ terrible, no good, very bad day. The Apostles were the victims of malicious prosecution, by a mob. Then they were beaten with rods. Still bleeding from their wounds, the city fathers of Philippi threw them not just in jail, but in stocks. God did not prevent their circumstances, but He was there, in the middle of their situation.

Too often we think that delay, difficulty or denial means that God has abandoned us. Inconveniences, like persecution, are often God’s way of positioning His men and women for ministry. Romans 5:1-5 tells us that trials and tribulations build our faith.

Paul and Silas chose to worship. Their backs continued to bleed. Their feet remained locked in stocks. In pain and humiliation, they decided the correct response was prayer and singing praise to God.

Omnipotent and sovereign God proved His presence. An earthquake shook open all the prison doors and rattled off all their chains. God is always close to His faithful men and women. He always has options about how He reveals Himself.

God allows events in His timing, and for His purposes. We may not be happy for every circumstance, but we can choose His joy in every situation. He is close by. Reach out and touch Him in prayer and worship.

Think: God is close by in all your circumstances.

Pray: “Lord, help me to see and feel Your presence in every situation.”

Copyright © April 2026, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Thanksgiving In The End

“Thanksgiving In The End” By Kirk Hunt

All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,   saying:

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”

Revelation 7:11–12 NKJV

After a year of crisis, difficulty and calamity everything ends in thanksgiving.  Not the holiday, precious as that day is, but in victory through Jesus.  “Flip to the back of The Book.  We win!”

The Multitude of Revelation 7 are men and women who stood faithful in Jesus.  They stayed the course through hardship, martyrdom or persecution. Their reward?  An eternity of victory, joy and presence with our Savior. 

Despite the short-term negatives, they live forever in victory and thanksgiving to Jesus.  You too can do the same.  Wash your robes, the life you live, in the Blood of Jesus.  The rest will be joy and victory; at least, in the long-term.

I would that I could promise you pleasantness and ease in the here and now.  Scripture promises that even His precious ones see difficult and experience pain.  What I can guarantee that those who keep faith in Jesus will experience joy and victory in His eternity.  The there and then will be worth the journey.

The last year has been difficult for many and perhaps for you.  Sooner, or later, we all experience joy, victory and thanksgiving before God’s Throne.  Stay the course in Jesus.  There will be thanksgiving in the end.

Think:       It is my responsibility to find and support a faithful Bible teacher.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to learn Your Word as deeply as I can.”

 

Copyright © November 2018, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.