Open Modal
App-Store-Badge
Google-Play-Badge

As you read this, I want you to know something, I care about you. In fact, I respect and care about you enough to tell you the truth. See, a whole bunch of us are really hurting for a lot of reasons. So, we really want a word of encouragement…and when it comes our way, we grasp on to it and it lifts us up and keeps us going.
But, will you allow me to care about you enough to tell you some truth, maybe even caution you as a friend? Be careful and be vigilant when you listen (or watch) someone use God’s word to make you feel better about your present circumstance or that “your going to make it” as one pastor was shouting out on a social media video… misinterpreting Philippians 1:8 to mean earthly success. Too many, TOO MANY, pastors are out there preaching a message geared to developing and growing churches and ministries because it makes people feel good. I know, I’m being a real downer…so you think. Here’s the deal, God’s joy and peace is very real and it does apply to you today, however, your current circumstances might not get any better. I love you enough not to lie to you. Sin and struggles are very real in this world. Satan is active and diseases like cancer continue to take the lives of good people everyday. The truth is, bad things happen in our fallen world. But, there is joy to be had because of our eternal situation with God. Jesus’ work on the cross and resurrection gives us a path of salvation that provides ultimate joy and peace. God’s word promises us eternal life with Him and everlasting peace. God’s word also tells us that this present life is hard, that the road is narrow and difficult, and to expect the Christian life to be full of trials, maybe even earthly tragedy.
The Bible also tells us that there is a peace that passes understanding, a peace bigger and deeper than earthly situations. By staying close to God, through accepting the free Grace gift of salvation, reading His word, praying, involving ourselves in church, we can experience God’s joy even in the midst of trials. God never promises to remove your earthly suffering, but He does promise to be there with you through it and to be waiting on the other side with open arms to say “well done.”
Romans 8:28
Philippians 1:28

Loading...