Our Only Hope
In this world of ours, filled with chaos, troubles, pain, tribulations and trials, there is indeed a reason to discontinue the journey of life.
There is hardly a day that passes by without a news of happenings that bring sorrow and tears. In fact, it is more difficult to survive these last days. Fear of the unknown has done more harm than good, in making us take the wrong decisions.Read also: 9 Ways God Gets Our Attention
The scriptures did foretell this: John 16:33.......In the world ye shall have tribulation........
God knew this all along, He knew that we will be faced with troubles in this world, but He did not just leave us like that without telling us how to successfully live through it.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.(KJV)
Let's analyse this verse:
Starting from the middle, Jesus Christ has told us that we would have troubles in the world. He told us this so we would prepare our minds not to always have everything on a platter of gold, to make us realize that even some legitimate ways will not always work out without some pain and difficulty, that not every good we do will be reciprocated with good, that even the innocent can be victims of unwanted circumstances, and in summary, that life's problems does not recognize age, status, wealth, health, good deeds, etc as everyone, whether great or small has their own problems.
You may ask: "Where then can one find peace on earth?"
Well, the answer is: you can't find peace on earth but in Christ. John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
Read also: When God Seems Silent And Distant
How do we then find peace in Christ?
• By first, acknowledging that in Him only is where we can find peace.
• By giving Him our lives so He can Keep and protect it.
• By continuing in constant fellowship with Him.
• By continually asking Him for directions on the best choices to make.
How do we respond to unwanted situations? Our response to life's mishaps is what really determines our victory. Our focus determines our response, because focus magnifies what is being focused on. Let's remind ourselves of a similar situation that happened to Apostle Peter.
Matthew 14:24-31
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
Read: You have a choice
Peter started to walk on water to meet our Lord Jesus Christ, something that cannot ordinarily happen. This was faith in action! But as he began to shift his focus from Christ to the troubled sea around him, he began to sink because of fear. Fear replaced faith☹️. But, he also did something wonderful: he cried to Jesus for Help.😃 This shows us that even though there are times we may, like Peter focus on our troubles and challenges forgetting to look steadily upon God, we should never allow them to overwhelm us, but rather ask for His help. We should, as much as we can, always look up to God for strength to live through each day.
Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.(KJV)
Like the Psalmist, we should always hold on to the promises of God. He has never failed, and will never fail. He is still the same God who has in time past, done many miracles; your case is not different or too much for Him to handle.
Therefore, we must .......be of good cheer; because .....I (Christ) have overcome the world.
To be of good cheer means to be in a good mood or be happy. Christ has told us that we should be happy, because he has overcome the world/has got the victory over the world.
The victory you seek is in Christ Jesus. So, if you have not invited Him into your life, you can do so by simply turning away from your bad deeds and confessing him as your Lord and Savior.
What are you magnifying in your life today? Christ or your problems? Magnify Christ and let Him have the victory, He is our only hope.
Thanks for reading. Kindly share your thoughts below.
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