Fear, anxiety, depression, poverty, sickness, and injustice. With all the cares and worries of the world, Christians can be confident in every season of life. As a Christ follower, I would like to share with you 3 things Christians must always remember.
- Your circumstances are temporary.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 states, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” On this side of eternity, we will be faced with many difficult circumstances that can be discouraging for those who trust in God. With so much hatred and division seeming to increase daily and with the future of our nation resting in the hands of the results of an election, many are giving in to fear and anxiety. However, there is no place for fear in faith. When the apostle Paul considered the affliction and persecution he and other brothers and sisters in Christ were facing due to their relentless effort to continue to believe and speak the truth of the gospel message, he noted that the affliction was but for a moment and that the things which are seen are temporary. Though Paul knew that suffering and death was a potential consequence, he encouraged the early Christians by reminding them of the eternal weight of glory that was ahead of them. This must be the response of every Christ follower. The things of this world are temporary. Our circumstances are but a blink of the eye when it comes to eternity. This does not negate the fact that our difficult circumstances are real. On the contrary, pain and suffering are very real. But it is imperative that Christians place their trials into proper perspective. Do not be discouraged or dismayed for our eternal glory is in God and our reward is in heaven. Turn your worry into worship. Let us not be consumed by the finite but let us look toward the infinite!
- You are loved.
1 John 4:8 states, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” The Bible is clear on who God is – and that is love. Not only does God love, but it is His very nature. Thus, Christians must always remember that they have a God who knows them and loves them. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Because of God’s unconditional and unlimited love for humanity, He sent His Son to die on the cross for the sins of the world so that we could be saved and obtain eternal life. Though there are times when the world seems so big and we feel so small, and alone, the gospel calls us to remember the love of our Creator. Never forget that God loves you and has a plan for you. Like a good Father, He will fight for you. Anytime you feel lost or unloved, look to the cross of Christ. He loves you and died for you. Let us cling to the love of God and continue to grow in our affection for His Son!
- Jesus is King.
Sometimes when we see so much evil in the world and recognize so much injustice, it is easy to be tempted to lose sight of the victory that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. In these moments of doubt, we must remember that Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18) and that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14). There is no one above Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, Jesus is in control. He is the Sovereign One. Anything that happens on this earth is seen by God and will be judged by Christ. Evil will not go unpunished and justice will prevail. When Jesus died on the cross, many of His disciples were afraid and felt defeated, but then came Sunday morning when the tomb was found empty and Jesus rose from the dead. On that day, Jesus established victory over sin and death and obtained His eternal throne. Thus, Christians can be confident that regardless of who is in the White House, Jesus remains on the Throne. Jesus is King and nothing will ever change that fact. Let us rejoice, for the King of the universe reigns and is victorious!
Jula Treece says
Thank you.