Last week's blog talked about where our help comes from, which is Jesus Christ. I want to continue this week with how we must not let the world and it's sin, harshness, hurts, cold heartedness, and manipulative ways change us from the path God intends.
1 John 4:4 reminds us as believers, whose we are and where to put our faith in Him and not false gods or witnesses..."You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Also in 1 John 5:3-5, "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
TobyMac has a new song with lyrics that describes the point of this blog well:
"It doesn't matter who you are, this world's gonna leave some battle scars." Can we not all relate to the following? "When life cuts so deep, try and remember..You, you're are not alone, We've all been there. Scars come with livin', You, you're not alone. We've all been there, oh, so lift your head, lift your head, to where your help comes from, you're not alone.”
Yes, it's true, we all have both physical and emotional scars from living in this world. God knew this and that's why He gave us assurance by saying in John 16:32-33, " “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
3 Things We Can Live With As Christians, God's Chosen People (J.D. Greear)
Assurance: Salvation begins in God, it is accomplished by God and what God starts He will finish. He chose us before there was anything good in us. He is more committed to our salvation than we are. John 6:37-39, "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me,but raise them up at the last day."
Hope: We can bravely face all of our trials, because God works all things for good for those who believe in Him. We don't see the big picture, but God does and controls it. God will one day turn our messy threads of life into a beautiful masterpiece for His glory. Romans 8:18 " I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Boldness in Evangelism: God has revealed to us that it is our job to share Christ with others, and not discriminate with who we think is 'elected.' Obedience to share the gospel with others is all that is required.
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.
1 Chronicles 28:20