In case you haven’t noticed, life in this world can really be difficult at times. We, here in this congregation, have gone through some really hard times. We have suffered through the loss of those we love so much, suffered through difficult health situations and many other things. And yet, with all of this, we also have experienced joyous things, things we celebrated at the same time. Things such as a new baby being born, a family member or good friend being baptized into Christ, or one conquering a serious health situation. Sometimes it is hard to mingle the two (celebration and mourning) together but, with God’s help we can do it. Think about it, God did both in the exact same event. The death of His Son on the cross was both, a celebration and a time of mourning for our God and us. It was a time of mourning because of the terrible pain and humiliation Jesus went through during His trials and crucifixion, a time of mourning because He died on that cross. But, it was also a time of celebration because three days later He came forth from that tomb declaring His victory over death. A victory that He will willingly share with every single person who is willing to come to Him in belief and obedience. It was a time of celebration because His death, burial, and resurrection demonstrated His victory over sin and Satan exactly as was prophesied in Genesis 3:15 where God said, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel.”
The whole point of this is that God understands exactly what we are going through. In fact, He understands it better than we do ourselves. Therefore, He knows exactly what we need to encourage us and lift us up.
Our God has promised to always be there for us. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminded his readers, “...for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). This should also be, not just a reminder, but an encouragement to us as well today. This is God’s promise to His people. He never said there will not be tough times, He never said we would not have pain in our lives as Christians. What our God did do is promise to be with us regardless of what we face in this life. He said He will not leave us or forsake us! Brethren, our God keeps His word! Our part in all this is to simply follow the instructions of Peter where he said, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). With the Lord’s help we can and will overcome all this world can throw at us.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan
The whole point of this is that God understands exactly what we are going through. In fact, He understands it better than we do ourselves. Therefore, He knows exactly what we need to encourage us and lift us up.
Our God has promised to always be there for us. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminded his readers, “...for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6). This should also be, not just a reminder, but an encouragement to us as well today. This is God’s promise to His people. He never said there will not be tough times, He never said we would not have pain in our lives as Christians. What our God did do is promise to be with us regardless of what we face in this life. He said He will not leave us or forsake us! Brethren, our God keeps His word! Our part in all this is to simply follow the instructions of Peter where he said, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). With the Lord’s help we can and will overcome all this world can throw at us.
Until next week, I love you all,
Dan
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