Think about the world we live in now. If you live only in the glow of modern media, it is easy to become discouraged. In the age of instant news and fast headlines, we see such things as:
- Gunman Shot Dead After Opening Fire on FSU Campus in Tallahassee
- Honduran Miss World contestant and sister found murdered
- Judge Lifts Montana’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban
- NASA video shows Carbon-monoxide emissions around Earth and it’s terrifying
- McKinsey report says obesity costs hit $2 trillion
These are just five headlines this morning from Google News. The bad news typically overwhelms the good. Even for the believer, it is hard to swim upstream against such a powerful stream of negativity. In contrast to that, last night at my church, I heard a men (that I know from a distance) share a bit about his life and where God has brought him from. Immediately, my heart started to burn with hope. As a side note, I look forward to finding out more about this brother in Christ. I feel that we may have a few things in common.
Yes, the world is full of wickedness. That really should not surprise us at all, but we often act as if it does. We should not forget that our adversary, the devil, is prowling about like a lion, seeking to devour us all (1 Peter 5:7-9). He works constantly to keep the headlines full of the ill effects of sin… the continued result of the original sin that was perpetrated in the Garden by the first Adam. NOW… I hope to offer a word of encouragement to you. Yes, you, the believer. The unbeliever cannot really grasp the truth found in the following verses of scripture, but you can.
If you can wrap your head around this one verse, it will break the chains of faithlessness in your life. The result of your work in the Lord is not up to you. However, some of us act like it is. In the spiritual realm, it is all God’s business. We only need to be obedient to do His will, He provides the results. Nail your arrogant pride to the cross my brother… my sister. Then, take solace in the fact that nothing is impossible for God. Talk about motivation! If that don’t fire you up, what can? If you are doing your work under the power and direction of Almighty God, my, my…
Peace… how can a person lay their head down at night if they do not have assurance of personal salvation? I am thankful that I have this peace. I settled that issue many years ago when I put my faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Yes, life can sometimes get a bit tiring. Trouble does come to visit from time to time, but I know that no matter what, I am at peace with God through the finished work of Jesus. This type of peace only comes through Jesus and if you do not have it, I encourage you to believe in Him for your future eternal home and as you live your life – today.
Wrapping up, if you are a Christian – a believer – you have peace with God. Just realize it. When you realize that God is your source of success and power, that should motivate you to serve Him. Onward and upward my friends!
