Someone asked me “Why does it matter if I accept Jesus Christ and make Him my Lord and Savior if I’m still going to have the same problems? She said the devil doesn’t discriminate, in fact it seems he attacks those who try to do right even more.” Her statement was not a lie. Of course the devil attacks Believers more, why would he waste time on those already in his camp? His agenda is to claim and destroy as many of God’s children as he can. He knows he is running out of time so he is using whatever and whoever to carry out his plans. But God also has a plan. Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior. Just as Jesus resisted the devil’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11) so can we. Jesus’s atonement made it possible for us to repent and be forgiven so we will not be separated from our Heavenly Father because of sin. Just as death could not hold Him, we do not have to fear physical death because not only did He save us from our sin, but because of His sacrifice we have eternal life!
“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)
“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)
“In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (Hebrews 5:5)
“but God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. (Acts 2:24)
Jesus did not say we wouldn’t have problems, in fact in John 16:33 He tells us in this world we would have trials and tribulations, but He also tells us that He has overcome the world. The Bible tells us that the cause of all misery, sickness, death, and every evil thing that happens is satan and sin. Because we live in a sinful world, we are not exempt from tragedy and pain. Satan is always looking to see who he can win over and destroy. However, Believers do not have to fall into his devious tricks. When we enter into a relationship with Jesus by faith, it is through Him that the Holy Spirit is given. The Holy Spirit then empowers us to resist the devil. The Holy Spirit gives is our power, purpose, and our hope. Jesus offers us peace and strength in times of trials. We can find hope in the midst of life’s challenges, knowing we are loved, protected, and cared for by God!
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” ( John 14:27)
As Believers we walk by faith, not by sight. 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 at 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, “Sir, 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. Do you know that when we praise while going through, situations can change, and chains can be broken?
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.” ( Psalm 150:6)
In this “it’s all about me” world, if you find 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. 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 unconditionally, then you are blessed indeed. But there is no one on this earth who can do ALL of those things ALL of the time for ALL of us. Jesus is never too busy and is willing to be there at ALL times when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. We serve a God that has no limitations, nothing is too hard for Him, and all things are possible. 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 when you have a relationship with Jesus, only victory. And this is why it matters. Love and Blessings…
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ( Romans 8:28)
“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)
“With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible,” ( Matthew 19:26)
EMMANUEL 