Faith in God

16
May
2024
When Facing the Impossible, Trust God

When Facing the Impossible, Trust God

Mark 10:27 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Let’s face it, life can get really tough. 

We all encounter challenges, problems, and difficulties that leave us feeling hopeless or helpless. 

Maybe it’s a health issue, financial strain, a rocky relationship, or something else entirely.  In those moments, it’s easy to wonder how we’ll ever overcome what feels like the impossible.

But here’s the good news: you’re not alone.  The Bible is filled with stories of people who faced seemingly insurmountable situations.  They battled giants, endured storms, and grappled with doubt and fear.  Yet, through it all, they discovered something powerful:  with God, nothing is impossible.

We Can’t Trust in Ourselves

Many of us instinctively turn to ourselves when facing major difficulties. 

We tend to rely on our own strength, wisdom, or abilities.  Maybe we place our hope in money, possessions, or the support of loved ones. 

While there’s nothing wrong with these things, they can’t be our ultimate source of trust. 

They’re ultimately unreliable, and they can fail us.

True Trust Lies With God

There is Someone, however, who will never fail you: God. 

  • He created you, knows you intimately, and has a plan for your life. 
  • He offers forgiveness, healing, and transformation. 
  • He guides, protects, provides, and empowers you. 
  • He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. 
  • He is holy, loving, and faithful. 
  • He is the one who makes all things possible.

Trusting God Isn’t Always Easy

Trusting God completely takes surrender, obedience, and humility. 

It means letting go of control, your agendas, and your expectations.  It means following His will and relying on His promises.  It requires admitting your weaknesses and dependence on Him.

Yet, trusting God brings incredible rewards.  It brings peace, joy, and hope.  It brings freedom, security, and purpose.  It fosters growth, maturity, and a life that bears fruit.

Strengthen Your Trust in God

Trusting God isn’t something we do on our own.  Here are some ways to cultivate a deeper trust:

  • The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit lives within you, enabling you to trust God and obey His voice.
  • The Word of God: The Bible teaches you about God’s character and His faithfulness.
  • The People of God: The Christian community can encourage and support you in our faith journey.
  • God’s Grace: God’s grace covers you and sustains you through trials and temptations.
  • The Example of Jesus: Jesus perfectly trusted God, even to the point of death on a cross. He showed you how to trust God in all circumstances.

Trusting God Brings Hope

No matter what you’re facing today, remember that God is capable of anything.  He can do more than you can imagine, and He can work in His way and timing to bring about His glory and purpose.

Trust that God knows what’s best for you, and that His love for you is everlasting. 

Trust that He is working in and through you, and that He will never abandon you.  Trust in His faithfulness and His promises.  Trust Him, and expect great things from Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
13
May
2024
Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Life as a follower of Christ isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Jesus himself warned his disciples that they would face opposition, even violence, for their beliefs.

They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

(John 16:2)

This can be a scary thought. Why would anyone be persecuted for their faith? And how can we stay strong when things get tough?

Why Does Persecution Happen?

The truth is, the world doesn’t always understand or embrace what Jesus represents. He challenges the status quo, exposes darkness, and offers a different way of living (John 7:7).  This can feel threatening to those who cling to worldly values and priorities.

Here’s the thing: persecution isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a sign that you’re living faithfully and making a difference.

Responding to Persecution

So, how do we react when faced with persecution? Here are some key takeaways from Jesus’ teachings:

  •     Don’t be surprised. Jesus warned us about this reality, so we shouldn’t be caught off guard

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

John 15:18
  •     Don’t be afraid. Our physical safety might be threatened, but our eternal soul belongs to God

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28
  •     Don’t be ashamed. Standing up for your faith, even in the face of opposition, is something to be proud of

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:26

The core response to persecution is unwavering faithfulness. No matter the cost, we continue to:

  •     Obey Jesus’ commands and follow His example.
  •     Share the message of the gospel with love and compassion.
  •     Remain rooted in Him and allow His teachings to guide us.

Finding Strength in the Midst of Trials

Even the most courageous person can feel overwhelmed.  The good news is, we’re not alone!  Here are some promises from Jesus that offer strength and hope:

    The Holy Spirit is with us. We have a powerful comforter, advocate, and counselor by our side

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:16-18

    We have a purpose. Our trials can refine our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:2-4).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

    Eternal life awaits. The temporary hardships we face pale in comparison to the joy and reward that awaits us in Heaven

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

Standing Firm in Faith

Persecution can be a difficult reality, but it doesn’t have to define us.  By remembering the reasons behind it, responding with unwavering faith, and clinging to the promises of God, we can face any challenge with courage and hope. 

Commit to following Jesus, no matter the cost, knowing that He is always with you.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
15
Apr
2024
Faith and Forgiveness

Faith and Forgiveness

Mark 2:5 tells us, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.”

This verse highlights the powerful connection between faith and forgiveness.

Power of Faith

Faith is not simply intellectual assent; it’s complete trust and confidence in God and His promises. It’s the conviction of unseen realities and the assurance of things hoped for.

In Mark’s account, Jesus recognizes the faith of the four men who brought the paralyzed friend. He sees their unwavering belief, their persistence in overcoming obstacles, and their expectation of healing.

This shows us that faith is the key to pleasing God and receiving His blessings. It empowers us to overcome challenges, access His grace, and experience His presence.

Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness isn’t just overlooking an offense; it’s the release of a debt and the restoration of a relationship. It’s the embodiment of love and mercy.

Jesus, acknowledging the deeper need, forgives the paralyzed man’s sins before healing him physically. This demonstrates His authority, compassion, and offer of a new beginning.

Forgiveness has the power to heal our wounds – guilt, shame, bitterness, and isolation. It allows us to heal not just emotionally but also physically.

Demonstrating and Receiving Faith and Forgiveness

Faith and forgiveness are not passive concepts; they require active participation.

We can demonstrate faith by following the example of the four men: bringing our needs and the needs of others to Jesus, persevering in prayer, and believing and obeying His words.

Likewise, we can demonstrate forgiveness by following Jesus’ example. This means forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking forgiveness from those we’ve hurt, and extending forgiveness to ourselves and others.

Receiving faith and forgiveness starts with responding to Jesus’ invitation. We receive faith by accepting His gospel and promises, confessing our sins, and trusting Him as our Lord and Savior.

Forgiveness is received through His grace and sacrifice. We acknowledge His love and mercy, experience His peace and joy, and grow in His presence.

Reflecting and Revealing Faith and Forgiveness

Having experienced faith and forgiveness, we’re naturally compelled to share them with the world.

We reflect and reveal faith by sharing God’s word and love. We explain His message, invite others to join Him, and tell them about His works.

Similarly, we reflect forgiveness by showing God’s grace and mercy. We care for others, use our gifts in service, and offer prayers and blessings.

Faith and forgiveness are expressions of God’s power working in your life. They move mountains, heal wounds, and bring you closer to Him.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration