Why Me? The Self-Defeating Question

 

Well, here we are again: another day, another problem, another issue confronting  me! Sometimes, things can go wrong for so long that your outlook on life can become bleak. Many end up asking the timeless, self-defeating question…“Why Me?”

Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? Job 3:11 (KJV)

 As Job went through his testing… his outlook on life turned from joy into utter despair.  It got so bad until he wished he were never born. Though some will not admit it, even Christians who know the Lord experience these types of feelings.

Though they might surface, the Christian still has to know that he is not alone, and that God will deliver. We know from further reading of Job’s story that the Lord did deliver him and rescue him from his troubles and pains.

Ye have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11 (KJV)

God showed great compassion to Job because of his sufferings. He will do the same for Christians today. Know that though your tests and trials are numerous and painful that God has not left you and will show you graciousness. Be encouraged knowing that in the end, God will show you peace, favor, and give you rest.

Prayer of the Week:

 Lord, give me grace, peace, and strength to accept the unfavorable events of this life. I will trust in your character. Amen.”

Hope in God

Let’s face it! Just when it seems that one bad situation ends, another pops up. Even though God is with us, sometimes the numerous trials of life can get next to us. They can upset us and move us from a place of rest. Sometimes the exhortations of scriptures only seem like hollow sentiments in light of our difficult circumstances.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalms 42:11 (KJV)

Throughout the Psalms, we read of the many afflictions that David experienced. Oftentimes, he was allowed to be in perilous situations that threatened his very life. We read of his complaints of misery and woe. However, David remained hopeful that God would deliver Him.

We see in the 42nd Psalm that David had to speak to himself to get up from his misery and return to a strong hope in God. On today, many are in the same situation as David; many things just happen and happen. But, do not lose your faith and hope in God. You are not alone. The Psalms show us David’s complaint, but also of God’s deliverance. You can be assured that God will deliver you in time and on time. Hope in God.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I thank you for your willingness to abide with me. I trust you that you will give me what I ask for, especially for more of your presence. Amen.”

I Will Survive

As a boy, I participated in the Boy Scouts. Part of the activities of the group consisted of survival training. We had to learn certain skills in order to receive badges. The skills learned were to be used in various situations that could arise in one’s life. In the kingdom of God, we must learn the necessary skills to survive in a world that is becoming opposed to God and His Christ.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…Isaiah 43:2-3 (KJV)

God promised Israel that they would survive any situations that came upon them because He was with them. As a Boy Scout, I was taught to depend on my training and ingenuity. This made the effectiveness of the training limited for survival rested on me alone. However, in the kingdom of God, once we have fasted, prayed, and studied (our spiritual training), we are still not alone. God will be  with us and ensure our survival.

So, on today, regardless of what you may be facing, know that the Lord is with you. Even when it seems that your spiritual training is of no use, be confident that you will make it in the worst of circumstances because of His presence. Be encouraged on today and say, “I Will Survive!”

Prayer of the Week:

“I trust you on this day Lord. You will ensure my success and victory. I thank you for it now. Amen.”

Christ is Coming

Foundational to Christianity is the belief in the return of Jesus Christ. At His return, the words recorded in the book of Revelation will be realized that the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.

Though many challenge the reality of a 2nd Advent of Christ, the scriptures clearly attest of its truth. The disciples asked Jesus to tell them plainly, when He would return. Jesus would not give them a specific time or date.

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know when the time is. (Mark 13:32)

Instead of a time, He gave them signs. He told them that when they saw these signs, the coming of the Kingdom of God was nearby. Though the signs have always been present throughout the ages, it does not change the truth of His return. As we see events unfold, we can rest assured that these things are pointing to Christ’s return.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust that Christ will return. You are true and cannot lie. Amen.”