If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, especially recently, you will have noticed that I have been mentioning a lot of things that are taking place in this world, that will be challenging a lot of people very shortly.
It is my belief, based on circumstances that are going on in this world now that are being reported, that we as a people will be thrown out of our comfort zones within the next year to three years.
We will be facing sky rocketing fuel prices, sky rocketing food prices and inflation like this world has never seen before.
This will lead to some very challenging times for a great many people on this planet.
For me personally, I am interviewing today, for my current job. A job I have been doing for the last four years. It is changing slightly, but for all intents my current position, along with 60 others that hold the same position, is being eliminated. And they are replacing this position with 38 people to handle slightly bigger territories.
Now, I can look at this and get all upset at the company for doing this. But I also understand that for companies to survive, in this challenging economy, they have to control the cost that is involved in the market place to survive in the future.
If I am not one of the people picked to be in the newly created position, my pay will drop substantially.
This will create some discomfort in my life, the question that remains is… will my faith be challenged?
Will I compromise my relationship with Jesus and God in order to get back that level of comfort?
Or will I continue to praise God and continue to practice that principles that Jesus set forth for us, being love and forgiveness?
Looking at this situation, it pales in comparison to the person that doesn’t even know where their next meal will come from or the person who is threatened everyday in a dictatorial, oppressive country where even mentioning that you believe in Jesus could mean your death.
A fact that we could be facing within the next ten years.
Would we deny our faith for our next meal or the possibility of death?
Or would we stand and die for the love and forgiveness that Jesus Christ did when He died on that cross to forgive the sins of man?
This weekend, my pastor was speaking on Chapter 8 of the book of Romans, a very powerful book. If you haven’t had a chance to read it or review it lately, I suggest that you do.
Here are a couple of the key points from this powerful chapter:
1. There is NO condemnation for those who believe in and accept Jesus Christ as their savior.
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
For those who call on the name of Jesus and accept Him into their lives will have eternal life in heaven, regardless of what happens on this earth.
This also means that upon accepting Jesus, we must start to live our lives according to way Jesus lived His life. This comes by opening up our hearts and letting the Holy Spirit do His job.
2. For the believer, God always works towards perfecting the believer.
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.” Romans 8:28-30
In spite of the uncomfortable situations we find ourselves in, as believers, God has put these situation in our lives in order for us to grow to become like Jesus Christ. In order for us to implement the principles that Jesus has set forth for us to follow.
3. We will never be separated from God.
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
What a wonderful promise!!!
“… our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
So no matter where you find yourself today, no matter how bad things may be, you have a place with God. The Creator of the heavens and the earth.
Just keep your eyes focused on God and living your life as Jesus lived His life. Accept Jesus as your Savior and…
“What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32
Keep this in mind as the challenges that arise in your future come up. God always keeps His promises even if it means a little discomfort for us.
As Always, Here’s to Your LifetoSuccess,
God Bless You,
John Clark