One thing that puzzles me is how easy the people in the Bible had it. Everything always went right. They had no problems or struggles. Their prayers were answered immediately. They had perfect families. And they had more money than they knew what to do with!
Me? Well, I struggle with the current economic downturn, my health could be better, just started a new business that takes so much of my time, I have three teenagers, get a bad attitude more than I care to admit, and so on! I wish I had it as good as those saints of old.
Oh. Wait a minute. Now that I think about it, some of those bible heroes did have occasional hard times... I mean, Joseph. His brothers couldn't stand him, decided to kill him, then changed their mind and sold him as a slave. Then he gets to do time in prison for trying to stay pure. I guess his life was not always a piece of cake.
Oh, and maybe Noah. He was constantly ridiculed when building a boat in the desert. Nobody but his family listened to his warnings.
We can throw in David, if you'd like. Saul hunted him down like prey. His son died in infancy. And his son mounted a rebellion against him. Not good times.
Another exception might be Jacob who worked 7 years for his wife, and then had to work another 7 because he was tricked! That would be a drag.
Jeremiah was torn apart inside, depressed and resentful because no one listened to the word of God he was declaring.
Moses got to see the Promised Land but wasn't allowed to enter it, even though God had used him to deliver the people from Egypt.
And what about Daniel who got thrown in the lion's den just because he prayed? That's not a walk in the park.
Paul was certainly another exception since he had multiple prison stays, severe floggings, stonings, shipwrecks, was often hungry, thirsty, tired, cold, and naked, and was in danger from just about everyone. Not a posh life.
And we must mention Jesus. Reviled, persecuted, disbelieved, abandoned, betrayed, beaten, crucified... a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Not the lifestyle of the rich and famous!
I admit, there are a large number of exceptions. In fact, I'd have to say that an easy, problem-free life IS the exception among Bible characters!
The Good News? Because of their faith, these folks made it through! Not because they were better people than you and me... stronger, smarter, holier, charmed. But because of their faith in the One who was in charge of their lives. They trusted that God was good in spite of their circumstances. They trusted that even if their faith led to death that God was still in charge, that he still loved and cared about them, and that they would still get their reward on the other side. They had eyes to see the reality that extends beyond the physical. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV)
What are you up against today? Bankruptcy? A dissolving marriage? Loss of a job? Devastating illness? Rebellious children? Loss of hope? Loss of direction? Emotional pain? Addiction? Whatever it is, do you have faith? Faith that God still loves you? That he is in control of your life? That he wants the best for you? That he will never leave you or forsake you? That no matter what you suffer in this life, your eternal reward will far outweigh it? If you have faith in this God, you can make it through ANYTHING! Even death.
Let me leave you today with an encouraging word from Hebrews 12:1-3. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (NLT)
Jesus made it through. Others made it through. You can too!!
Amen
Me? Well, I struggle with the current economic downturn, my health could be better, just started a new business that takes so much of my time, I have three teenagers, get a bad attitude more than I care to admit, and so on! I wish I had it as good as those saints of old.
Oh. Wait a minute. Now that I think about it, some of those bible heroes did have occasional hard times... I mean, Joseph. His brothers couldn't stand him, decided to kill him, then changed their mind and sold him as a slave. Then he gets to do time in prison for trying to stay pure. I guess his life was not always a piece of cake.
Oh, and maybe Noah. He was constantly ridiculed when building a boat in the desert. Nobody but his family listened to his warnings.
We can throw in David, if you'd like. Saul hunted him down like prey. His son died in infancy. And his son mounted a rebellion against him. Not good times.
Another exception might be Jacob who worked 7 years for his wife, and then had to work another 7 because he was tricked! That would be a drag.
Jeremiah was torn apart inside, depressed and resentful because no one listened to the word of God he was declaring.
Moses got to see the Promised Land but wasn't allowed to enter it, even though God had used him to deliver the people from Egypt.
And what about Daniel who got thrown in the lion's den just because he prayed? That's not a walk in the park.
Paul was certainly another exception since he had multiple prison stays, severe floggings, stonings, shipwrecks, was often hungry, thirsty, tired, cold, and naked, and was in danger from just about everyone. Not a posh life.
And we must mention Jesus. Reviled, persecuted, disbelieved, abandoned, betrayed, beaten, crucified... a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Not the lifestyle of the rich and famous!
I admit, there are a large number of exceptions. In fact, I'd have to say that an easy, problem-free life IS the exception among Bible characters!
The Good News? Because of their faith, these folks made it through! Not because they were better people than you and me... stronger, smarter, holier, charmed. But because of their faith in the One who was in charge of their lives. They trusted that God was good in spite of their circumstances. They trusted that even if their faith led to death that God was still in charge, that he still loved and cared about them, and that they would still get their reward on the other side. They had eyes to see the reality that extends beyond the physical. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV)
What are you up against today? Bankruptcy? A dissolving marriage? Loss of a job? Devastating illness? Rebellious children? Loss of hope? Loss of direction? Emotional pain? Addiction? Whatever it is, do you have faith? Faith that God still loves you? That he is in control of your life? That he wants the best for you? That he will never leave you or forsake you? That no matter what you suffer in this life, your eternal reward will far outweigh it? If you have faith in this God, you can make it through ANYTHING! Even death.
Let me leave you today with an encouraging word from Hebrews 12:1-3. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (NLT)
Jesus made it through. Others made it through. You can too!!
Amen
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