Before I became a Christian I was a happy wife and mother, but inwardly I was discontent. I wasn't sure why, but when I found Christ, it all made sense. I needed Jesus to give my life meaning and purpose, grace and forgiveness, wisdom and truth.
During the first few months of my new faith, I heard teachings that claimed Christians are promised healing and comfort in life. It sounded great! But it didn't take long to realize those teachings didn't match the things I was reading in Scripture.
In many ways, Scripture prepares Christians for more difficulties, not fewer (e.g., John 15:18-21; 2 Corinthians 4:8-11). And the longer I've been a Christian, I've definitely faced more challenging difficulties than during my unsaved years. Life has gotten harder in one sense, but I've seen how my difficulties have provided wonderful opportunities to grow in my faith. Through hardship, I've better understood the awesome character of my Lord.
As Jesus explains in John 16:33: “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.”
Whatever hardships or challenges you're facing, remember that earth isn't your home. We're aliens and strangers here dealing with earthly problems. But we're headed for a place of peace and joy beyond our imaginations (Hebrews 11:13-16).
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For more on this subject, see Solid Food Faith and Aliens and Strangers. And if you'd like to know what Scripture teaches about healing, see The Biblical View of Healing.
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Hard to find the right words to describe the honor of serving a living Jesus and to all those that serve through hardship, loss and turmoil. Yet, here you and Michael find your place in life in serving on behalf of our loving Lord that see the joy set before us and whom bids us onward.
ReplyDeleteMay God forever strengthen and assure your heart and minds to that end.
God Bless you both, looking forward to a heavenly hug in our eternal reunion.
Your friend in Christ, Vern
Thanks, Vern, for your encouragement! And we know that you also have had your hardships but continue to be faithful to our Lord. And Yes, both Michael and I look forward to that heavenly hug and "eternal reunion."
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