Thursday, May 13, 2010
Trust
Sometimes, you just have to trust God, even when it feels like you can't. There will even be times when religious leaders let you down. You will think you have their confidence and they will come up short in spite of your elevated faith in them. This is because the church is imperfect; it is a place full of grace, but simultaneously a station full of sinful human beings.
So, what do we do when we've been wronged? The simple answer is this: we follow Christ's example. We forgive, of course. Remember what Jesus said as He was being crucified up on the cross, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing."
I mean, if He could extend mercy while people were in the process of murdering Him, we can do it in the midst of our less excruciating circumstances, right? Easier said than done, that's for sure. But, I'm so glad that my ultimate spiritual authority will never let me down. Jesus is always a sure thing; He's consistently the real deal.
So, when we tell Jesus that we're going to take up our cross and follow Him, we have to wrestle over some really hard issues about what that means. Are we going to remain faithful even when we feel let down, unprotected, and seriously challenged? What about when finances get tough or when a parent becomes ill? What about when a marriage gets messy? Or, when the relationship with your own kid becomes one of despair?
What about when people in your own church treat you like you did something against God's will even when you heard it from the Lord Himself? What happens when you're really real with someone and then she judges you for it? Have you ever felt like someone liked you more before you spilled the beans? It's like, they'd rather hear the answer, "I'm fine" to everything because it makes their life easier. Will you forgive and love during those times?
Even though these are hard questions, the answers are pretty simple. In 1 Corinthians, God tells us that we won't be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He will provide a way out from that temptation. Are you tempted to sin: to cheat, to cave into fear, to be anxious, to crouch up in anger, or to stew in jealousy? Turn it to Jesus, right away... so He can help you in the midst of your struggle. You can always be REAL with Him.
Jesus also tells us in Philippians that we "...CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens (us)" (4:13). So, even when it's hard to do the right thing amidst difficult circumstances, it's not impossible. Think about it...we can actually grow during the tough times if we choose to lean on God.
John 15:5+6 say, "I am the vine and you are the branches; if a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." So, the key is to remain in Christ...at all times, but especially during the crazy times. If you feel tempted to give up because someone has given up on you or because you can't find your way in the midst of the darkness, well...don't! Don't despair! Don't give in! Keep the faith because you can be victorious with God's help!
Share how the Lord has gotten you through a tough time. Has your faith grown as a result of the challenge? Keep trusting and praying. Share your heart and I will pray for you as well! :)
So, what do we do when we've been wronged? The simple answer is this: we follow Christ's example. We forgive, of course. Remember what Jesus said as He was being crucified up on the cross, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they are doing."
I mean, if He could extend mercy while people were in the process of murdering Him, we can do it in the midst of our less excruciating circumstances, right? Easier said than done, that's for sure. But, I'm so glad that my ultimate spiritual authority will never let me down. Jesus is always a sure thing; He's consistently the real deal.
So, when we tell Jesus that we're going to take up our cross and follow Him, we have to wrestle over some really hard issues about what that means. Are we going to remain faithful even when we feel let down, unprotected, and seriously challenged? What about when finances get tough or when a parent becomes ill? What about when a marriage gets messy? Or, when the relationship with your own kid becomes one of despair?
What about when people in your own church treat you like you did something against God's will even when you heard it from the Lord Himself? What happens when you're really real with someone and then she judges you for it? Have you ever felt like someone liked you more before you spilled the beans? It's like, they'd rather hear the answer, "I'm fine" to everything because it makes their life easier. Will you forgive and love during those times?
Even though these are hard questions, the answers are pretty simple. In 1 Corinthians, God tells us that we won't be tempted beyond what we can bear and that He will provide a way out from that temptation. Are you tempted to sin: to cheat, to cave into fear, to be anxious, to crouch up in anger, or to stew in jealousy? Turn it to Jesus, right away... so He can help you in the midst of your struggle. You can always be REAL with Him.
Jesus also tells us in Philippians that we "...CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens (us)" (4:13). So, even when it's hard to do the right thing amidst difficult circumstances, it's not impossible. Think about it...we can actually grow during the tough times if we choose to lean on God.
John 15:5+6 say, "I am the vine and you are the branches; if a man remains in me and I in Him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing." So, the key is to remain in Christ...at all times, but especially during the crazy times. If you feel tempted to give up because someone has given up on you or because you can't find your way in the midst of the darkness, well...don't! Don't despair! Don't give in! Keep the faith because you can be victorious with God's help!
Share how the Lord has gotten you through a tough time. Has your faith grown as a result of the challenge? Keep trusting and praying. Share your heart and I will pray for you as well! :)
Labels: belief, Christian, faith
