May 2020
Happy Mother’s Day! I’m trusting by now that parts of our world have opened back up after the virus; “a tiny disease-causing agent”, although devastating to many. In light of the Gospel, Jesus said:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 1
A Rocky Response…
Aaron wrote: “I received your letter. Thank you for taking the time to reply. I also looked at the information you sent. It truly meant a lot.
“My faith in the Lord has been pretty rocky lately. There are so many terrible things that happen in the world. It seems like it’s getting worse every day. I find it hard to understand how an all-loving and merciful God can allow it all to happen. I try not to question His ways; everything happens through Him for a reason – but what reason?
In the Old Testament wilderness journey, God “humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” 2
I am trying to stay away from the bottle, as it is my greatest vice. It’s why I picked up the pen to write. I don’t have many people I can go to with my feelings. My faith has been very good for my depression, but it gets difficult to continue believing sometimes. Do you ever struggle with this? Thank you again for getting back to me. I hope to hear from you soon. Your friend, Aaron, Forest Hill, MD.
Rocky Faith…
I’m almost certain that you can empathize with Aaron. His rocky faith is fairly common these days, but one thing we know; God is all-loving and merciful, whether we understand why things happen or not. Though all things aren’t good, we do “know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” 3
Like Aaron, I believe things happen for a reason. In short, things humble so what we’ll turn to God for answers. Some would call this jailhouse religion, but it works for those who continue in the faith. Maybe you need to “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” 4
Christ in You…
Christ [the Anointed One] came into my heart 45 years ago on the 23rd of this month, when I believed God raised Jesus from the dead and confessed Him as Lord with my mouth. 5 The anointing of the Holy Spirit lit up my life that night, Who remains to this day. “…God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” 6
It took 29 years for humility to take root in my heart, that is, surrendering to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for my salvation. It has been said that “Humility is simply an awareness that all that we have and are is a gift from God.” “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 7
True Humility…
Moreover, only a person who acknowledges God can operate in true humility. Once you are born of the Holy Spirit, humility will follow you as you lose yourself in Jesus. When His thoughts and desires consume you, He will speak to and care for others through you, “…serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials…” 8
As followers of Christ, we’re to “…be clothed with humility” 9 for power to overcome all trials, tribulations and the devil. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 10 If you haven’t surrendered to Jesus, it’s time to cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.
A Prayer for You…
Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins and saving me from eternal separation from God. By faith, I accept Your work and death on the cross as sufficient payment for my sins. I rejoice that Your resurrection from the dead shows Your complete victory over sin and death – making me holy and acceptable in God’s sight. Thank You for providing the way for me to have a relationship with my heavenly Father and eternal life. Thank You for hearing my prayers and sending Your Holy Spirit to heal me in areas where I have been wounded and my emotions have been damaged. Thanks for the strength and wisdom to walk in the center of Your will now and forevermore. In Your holy and precious name I pray, Lord Jesus, Amen.
Scripture References (NKJV):
1) 2 Cor. 12:9a
2) Deut. 8:3
3) Rom. 8:28
4) 2 Cor. 13:5, NLT
5) Rom. 10:9,10
6) Col. 1:27
7) 1 Pet. 5:6,7
8) Acts 20:19
9) 1 Pet. 5:5b
10) John 16:33