Long ago, on the day of our marriage, Rodger and I heard these words, “Jesus doesn’t just have the answers to life, He is the answer.” While many of the other words and memories have faded or been forgotten, that truth has stuck with me.
Life’s problems seek an answer. As Christians we are uniquely equipped with the answer. Now maybe I’m over simplifying this, but I don’t think so. We forget so often that heaven is our home and we should have the eyes of our hearts and minds set on that home.
In the meantime, we have to live in this old world. Sometimes it is sweet, and we press our lips to the heads of sweet babies and drink in the love and beauty of God’s creation. But then disaster strikes; that sweet baby has a rare disease, the love of our life is tragically taken away, our secure, recession-proof job is cut, our bank account shrivels or disappears, and on and on the disasters of life attack us, These disasters and troubles leave us reeling and stunned. If our hope is set on the One who made us, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing on Whom our hope is set. We will grieve and cry. We may even have occasion to be depressed and down-hearted. Life is not something that happens to others. It happens to Christians. But our hearts and minds will be set on knowing God will deliver us. It might be today, or tomorrow, or in heaven, but ultimately He will do so.
Jesus provides the center, the “enoughness," if you will, the realization that our shortcomings, our problems are all resolved in the truth found in Jesus.
We are told over and over in scripture as Christians the world will hate us for standing for Christ. Our very lives, lived for Him, are repugnant to them. Also, life on this earth simply offers no guarantees. Paul’s second letter to Timothy states, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (3:12) Wow! What a promise!
But read over in 1 Peter 5:10, “After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has call you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” I just spent a lovely afternoon with a dear friend who also happens to be my grandchildren’s other granny. As we talked about the recent and sudden loss of her husband, she told me “I have no regrets.” That simple statement of confidence touched my heart. She spoke of her grief and the difficulties of sorting through a lifetime of memories in preparation for selling their home. They spent long days working together in their business or sitting at their front window, talking about their life and sharing some memories. They had no idea what December would bring. It did not take away the pain of loss, the shock of having to do this alone. But she has the confidence of his faith in Christ.
I share this to say that we as Christians face many of the same trials as anyone living on earth. We face more for simply being Christians. But we do this with the hope of eternal security, knowing the blood of Christ covers us and He is waiting at the gate for us.
An illustration which occurs to me is this photo I'm sharing. It is of a running/walking track we often take. When we enter a race, which my husband and I are known to do on occasion, all the entrants run the same course. But those who are prepared finish
the race. Everyone runs the same hills and the same path, but not everyone gets to the end at the same time with the same ease. The prepared are better fit for the finish line.
Don’t loss your perspective when things get rough. Have the confidence of knowing that life is temporary and heaven is eternal for those who love him and obey the gospel. Prepare yourself by putting on the armor of God. Light your lamps and prepare for the steps to heaven. When you are mistreated, remember He was mistreated and paid for our sins. Share this joy of salvation with those around you. Hang on to the Answer!
(This was written and posted for a devotional page, June 2021, but is my original work.)
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