What is your perception of peace; a life free from trouble, lack or sorrow? We all pray to have such a life, but it seems elusive in this chaotic world. Each day when we wake up in the morning we pray that all may go well with us; but we do not always have it our way. Sometimes we end the day with disappointment.
Has that ever happened to you? A time when you started your day full of joy, then all of a sudden you ended the day with tears? It has happened to me not once.
I am going to share with you one of those times, and why we need not fret when faced with life challenges.
When trouble strikes, God shows up
It was on July 23, 2012; I left home in the morning in high spirit ready to face the day’s work with all commitment and dedication as I usually do. But when I got to the office, and have work for some few hours, my joy was cut short. I received a shocker of my life; my job in the bank came to an end. The organisation sacked 530 of us that day. Everywhere became dark to me, and questions began to run through my mind without answers. I became confused, and felt so miserable; not knowing what to do next.
Back home at night, I went to God in prayers. As I knelt before him, tears began to roll on my cheeks, why me Lord? I asked. Suddenly peace flooded my heart such that I could not explain, and I began to worship God. The anguish in my soul disappeared, and I began to see life from a different view. It dawned on me that it is possible to be peaceful even when facing challenges.
Since then I have not secured another job, but I can testify God’s faithfulness upon my life. The blessings I have received in the process are enormous. God brought me closer to Him and helped me built a stronger relationship with my husband and my children. My needs are always being taken care of; by Him.
It is not as if I no longer experience challenges, but I have learned to depend on Christ, and not on my circumstances. With that, I find life easy- going because Jesus is the source of my peace.
Everyone faces challenges
Maybe you are currently facing some life challenges that have left you wondering about the complexity of life. It could be a loss of a dear one, a misfortune, a broken relationship, a terminal disease, or any other problem, and you feel as if the world is crumbling on you. Possibly when you see other people moving on with their lives, you think they are not experiencing any challenges as you do. You may be shocked if any should tell you what he or she is experiencing.No one is free from the difficulties of life; the only difference is how we react toward them.
At least, you have just read my short testimony which shows that everyone faces challenges in life. Perhaps you feel your own case is worse? Well, you may be right; everyone feels the pain of his or her problem uniquely, we all wish we never experienced it. But wishes are not horses, or else beggars would ride.
God does not delight in our pain
I read a book titled: where is God when it hurts? The writer, Philip Yancey, asked that question that seems to be in the mind of every human being when in trouble. Haven’t we made such inquiries over and over? The Bible describes God as all knowing, all seeing, all powerful, and above all, loving and merciful. If that is who God is, then why do we experience pain? Sometimes, even when we pray He seems to be adamant over our situation. Does He care? Did God just dumped us in this world and abandoned us to fate? These are typical questions that do run through our minds when threatened with life challenges.
It reminds me of the story of Jesus and his disciples in Mark 4:35-39. Jesus was in a boat with his disciples, and suddenly there arose a furious storm on the lake so that the waves swept over it. It was apparent that they were drowning, but Jesus was sleeping peacefully. His disciples woke him up saying, don’t you care that we are perishing?
The disciples almost believed Jesus didn’t care about what was happening. If he cared, why was he sleeping at that dangerous moment? But is it true that God does not care if we perish? Not at all; God cares so much about us.
God does not slumber or sleep
The bad news is, we live in a fallen world where evil is prevalent; we are bound to face tribulation. But the good news is God has control over evil, and He does not slumber nor sleeps; He will never abandon us; He will never forsake us, ever. The Scripture says:
“My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip, He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He watches over Israel (you) will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm; He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever ever”.Ps.121:2-8
Our Lord Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10),
“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mat.11:28-29).
“I have told you these things; so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).
In Isaiah 43:1b-4, God said,
“I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you, when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your saviour…………Because you are precious in my eyes and honoured, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life”.
Only trust and obey
As Christians, we don’t have a different world that is free from challenges. We live in this evil world; so we are bound to experience the storms of life. But we have the assurance from God that He is ever with us, even when in trouble; He assured us that He would be there to protect us.No matter the storm Jesus is there to calm it. He will not allow our challenges to overwhelm us but will walk us through them victoriously. Your present situation is not meant to demote you; but to promote you, so trust Him.
All He needs from us is to trust and obey. Whatever the case may be, believe in God, He is faithful, He will keep His promise.
“God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and then not act”?Num. 23:19
Beloved sister, I may not know your challenges; one thing I know is, the one who promised is faithful, and He will surely keep His promise if you put your trust in Him. Surely, He means well for you through what you may be facing.
Why not drop on your knees right now and ask him to take over. Dump all your cares and worries on Him and allow Him to take charge. He will take off the heavy burden from you and replace it with his peace that no suffering or pain can take away from you.
God bless you.
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