Psalm 30:5
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning..

• DAILY READING          1 Timothy 2; Isaiah 34-35; Psalm 119:65-96

Evander Holyfield, is history’s only four-time heavyweight champion of the world. He became a devoted born-again Christian in 1992 and would publicly profess his faith especially before and after his boxing fights. However in 1994, two years after he got born again, he faced a great test of his faith. 

That year, suddenly, everything seemed to go against him. He lost his heavy weight title in a 12 round decision to Michael Moorer. Not only that, but after the fight, doctors and specialists at the respected Mayo clinic, after examining him, had just told him that he had a very serious heart problem and therefore his career as a professional boxer was over. This was devastating news. First losing his title and then losing his career. It looked indeed like the darkest night of his life.  But then Evander knew God. He knew that no matter what the doctors said, God alone had the final say. So he threw the doctors report behind him and went to God in prayer. He prayed and prayed, and even when it seemed as if nothing was happening, he continued to pray to God. And then one day he knew he had his answer. Confidently he went back to the doctors, and when they examined him, they were all amazed. They could hardly believe it. Evander’s heart was perfectly alright. He told them that God had healed his heart. The same doctors who declared him unfit to ever fight again, now gave him a clean bill of health. Evander went on to win back his heavy weight title. And  after a  successful boxing career, in 2011, he resigned as the undisputed world champion in both the heavyweight and cruiserweight division. 

Indeed what could have been Evander’s darkest night turned around to become his brightest day

Psalm 30:5 says ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning’.

Joy is coming, that is why you should  never give up. No matter how difficult it may seem, hold on to God and keep pressing forward. When Evander at first began to pray and it seemed as if his heart condition was not improving, he could have given up and accepted the doctor’s verdict. But he understood that God is too faithful to fail, so he pressed on, until his answer came. 

Perhaps you too have been praying concerning your situation, though it may look as if nothing is happening, understand that God is indeed up to something. He is at work. Delay is not denial. Your day is coming. When Daniel prayed for 21 days, what he did not know was that from the first day he began to pray, an angel was dispatched on his behalf. So no matter how silent things may look outwardly, understand that a lot is happening spiritually. The ground may be still, but it does not mean the earth is not rotating. 

Though you may not sometimes see it clearly, you can trust that God is at work in your situation. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always make a way even where there seems to be no way.

Therefore, keep holding on to God’s Word and His promises. You will not be defeated, you will not be overcome. Your strength will be renewed like the eagles’ and you will rise and soar again. No matter how dark your night, it will surely break forth into your day.  Your joy is coming, your victory is on the way and your testimony is sure in Jesus Name.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your continual goodness and faithfulness in my life. And no matter what situations I face, I know that You are indeed working it all out for my good in Jesus Name.  . 

QUOTE 

God’s promises in Christ in your life may appear delayed, but never forget that delays are not denials.. -WORDBITE 222. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK REJOICE]