TODAY’S INSPIRATION: WHY IT MATTERS…

Do you know that when we praise while going through, situations can change, and chains can be broken? Most importantly we can be changed from within, which will change our perspective on the situation. The Bible tells us that God makes the sun shine on the evil and the good, just as He sends the rain on the just and the unjust. That is because God is good and merciful, and we know that all good things come from Him. The Bible also tells us that the cause of all misery, sickness, death, and every evil thing that happens is satan and sin. Because believers live in a sinful world, we are not exempt from tragedy and pain. I was asked the question, “Why does it matter if I accept Jesus Christ and live righteous if I’m going to have the same issues as unbelievers?”  

“so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“In addition to having clothed yourselves with these things, having taken up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” (Ephesians 6:16)

It matters because as believers we walk by faith, not by sight. It matters that we live righteously and represent Christ because sometimes our actions are the only Bible some people will ever read. When we are going through if we react the same as unbelievers, what are we saying? Are we just speakers of God’s Word or do we live our life in such a way that it represents what we speak? I am reminded of Paul and Silas in the Book of Acts. While they were jailed and chained, they never stopped praying, singing, and praising God. This is what the Bible tells us in Acts, “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.” (Acts 16:25-32) God turned the situation into a blessing. That is why it matters that we know Christ!  

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord” (Psalm 150:6)

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

It matters because trials and suffering hit differently when you have someone to share them with. Someone you can depend on not just in the good times but the bad as well. Someone who will let you cry, vent, and not judge your faith. Someone who will just sit with you even when you don’t feel like talking. Someone who will accept you just as you are but is willing to stick with you while you change for the better. Someone who will never leave or forsake you. Someone who loves you so much that they would take all your pain and suffering and die for you. Someone who can give you the gift of eternal life. If you have someone on this earth who can do some of those things, you are blessed indeed. But there is no one who can do ALL of those things ALL of the time for ALL of us except for Jesus Christ. It matters because God is love and there is no greater love!  

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)

Why does it matter if we live righteously while still going through storms and difficulties? Because this life is temporary. Jesus has promised us an eternal home where there will be no more pain and suffering. Our suffering now is nothing compared to what we have to look forward to. When we are going through the enemy will try to discourage our walk with God. But take heart and know that God is in control. The process may be challenging but it’s never a path of defeat, only victory. Love and Blessings…

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. “Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:3-6)

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelations 21:4)