Almost anyone who has been a true Christian for any length of time will tell you the answer to this is YES. Tough times happen, not because God is mean, but because life happens. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
Did you catch that? Be of GOOD CHEER. Meaning, don’t get all down when bad things
happen, because God WILL work good in them. Romans 8:28 states that “He works ALL things for good” for those who love Him. So, taken together, it really means NOTHING BAD CAN HAPPEN TO A CHRISTIAN. Because even if something bad does happen, God will work it for good. Hmmm….so there really is nothing to worry about? Just like Jesus said in His sermon on the mount…Not to worry. Interesting.
You see, we need to see things from a heavenly, not an earthly perspective. God is concerned with our holiness, not our happiness. He wants to make us more like Jesus. In tough times, that is when you grow more like Jesus, not on the mountaintops. Our flesh wants everything to be perfect all the time…but that is not realistic in a fallen world, and when life doesn’t go perfectly, enter the monsters of stress, fear, and worry. But if you put your faith in the Lord, if you know that no matter what, everything will work for your good, then you can live the day in Love, Joy, and Peace. And that is just a better place to be. Christians should be the people who are calm in the storm, the people on the boat getting the women and children off first, the people who are solid under pressure and can be counted on in a pinch…and that only comes from building your life on the solid rock of Jesus.
So, how is your relationship with Jesus today? Have you spent any time with Him? I challenged my church last week to spend 5 extra minutes in prayer, just being still and letting God, not us, speak. And to spend a few extra minutes reading the Bible each day, not a podcast, actually reading the Bible and hearing from God. 1 chapter a day starting in Matthew or 1 Proverb a day. Just a little bit more reading and a little bit more prayer-it doesn’t take much, and watch that relationship rekindle quickly with Jesus. True friends can pick up right where they left off. You have a friend in Jesus. Check in with Him, touch base. YOU will be the one who gets blessed!
Have an awesome week!
Brian
P.S. This Sunday, we will tackle the Second Letter of Jesus found in Revelation and discuss the Rapture like you have never seen it discussed before! The End times do not have to be scary; you just need to be ready. This Sunday at 10:30 AM, we will start getting you ready, and the message will bless you tremendously. Be there or be square….
900 Cripple Creek Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. See you there!
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