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Read: John 14:27
Quick recap- last time God gave me an opportunity to share my devotion “Walking in the nature of Christ: the call to forgiveness (loving our neighbour) so as we strive to live a Christ like life we must forgive. And right now I will be sharing my devotion entitled: UP
As a human being we need assurance. Me, as a simple pretty…(ADJECTIVES) human being, I have this attitude that, I will only be at peace if I can see the end of the rope. Like, I will never let my guards down and I don't feel at ease unless i have an assurance. In short, I have trust issues.
Do you also have trust issues? If you do,, tap the HAHA button # Engagement - Ptr. Reyan 2020. Kidding aside, We have our own personal battle with the fear of uncertainties and pain in suffering. We are also experiencing right now a global pandemic. In this world full of uncertainty and suffering, can you be at peace?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
As a human being we need assurance. Me, as a simple pretty…(ADJECTIVES) human being, I have this attitude that, I will only be at peace if I can see the end of the rope. Like, I will never let my guards down and I don't feel at ease unless i have an assurance. In short, I have trust issues.
Do you also have trust issues? If you do,, tap the HAHA button # Engagement - Ptr. Reyan 2020. Kidding aside, We have our own personal battle with the fear of uncertainties and pain in suffering. We are also experiencing right now a global pandemic. In this world full of uncertainty and suffering, can you be at peace?
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
1. What is the meaning of uncertainty, suffering and peace:
-uncertainty is the state of being uncertain or unknown. Doubt is present, no assuranceSuffering or pain in the broad sense may be an experience of unpleasantness and aversion associated with the perception of harm or threat. It is the basic of negative valence of affective phenomena. “In short, it is the state of undergoing pain, distress or hardship.”
Peace is the state of tranquility or calmness, freedom from disturbances and a state of security.
Since We have the idea, lets talk about it and the real question is:
Sometimes we become self-sufficient and we depend on our own understanding like you are removing God as your God in your life. It's like saying, 'Lord, I can do this, let me handle it."
Since We have the idea, lets talk about it and the real question is:
1. Why does God allow suffering?
A. To be dependent to God alone.Sometimes we become self-sufficient and we depend on our own understanding like you are removing God as your God in your life. It's like saying, 'Lord, I can do this, let me handle it."
We don't notice us taking for ourselves the role of God in our life. And because of our actions, we inflict suffering to ourselves.
B. To shape, test and purify our faith because suffering and uncertainty can lead us to humility – can? Because vthere is a possibility that suffering can lead us to rebellion if our faith is being misplaced and that is why it is very important for us to know to have a deep relationship and understanding who God is, who Jesus is and who the holy spirit is in our life so that when testing comes we are well equipped and seasoned.
Let's take Job for example – With all the suffering he received, he has the opportunity to rebel and turn back or go against from God but His suffering did not result to rebellion or sin instead he humbled himself and he put his faith in the right place and that is trusting God.
For to us a Child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.(Isaiah 9:6)
B. To shape, test and purify our faith because suffering and uncertainty can lead us to humility – can? Because vthere is a possibility that suffering can lead us to rebellion if our faith is being misplaced and that is why it is very important for us to know to have a deep relationship and understanding who God is, who Jesus is and who the holy spirit is in our life so that when testing comes we are well equipped and seasoned.
Let's take Job for example – With all the suffering he received, he has the opportunity to rebel and turn back or go against from God but His suffering did not result to rebellion or sin instead he humbled himself and he put his faith in the right place and that is trusting God.
2. Where can I find peace?
JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE!!!- How can I say so?For to us a Child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.(Isaiah 9:6)
It takes courage to live in suffering and we need God for that. We need to hold on to Jesus despite of our circumstances that seems far fetch for us to comprehend because Jesus is the greatest example of peace. (Ex. Life of Jesus, Jesus suffered a lot (physical, emotional and spiritual when He was being persecuted but his faith and trust to God our Abba father never waver, Jesus is at peace for He knows that God is at work)
We live in a world full of sin and as we strive to live a Christ like life, we can find peace in Jesus despite of the uncertainties and suffering that the world offers.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16: 33)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
First, we already know why God allowed suffering, Second, we also know how we can find peace. Lastly, we know how to apply peace in our lives. And this leads us to my last point:
3. How can I be at peace in the midst of uncertainty and suffering?
Peace comes from trusting God-And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
In every suffering and uncertainty God is at work. We may never understand what is going on or why is this certain thing happening for we can only see part of the picture that God is creating. All we need to do is to trust God and His process. And let us not forget that God is in the middle of something working for our own good
At all times God is our comfort in the midst of uncertainty and suffering through Jesus Christ when He said in John 14:27:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
Closing
Because Christ suffered, we should also expect to suffer as we live for Him.So, walking in the nature of Christ means trusting God. Being at peace in the midst of uncertainties and suffering for we know that we have a God that is in control. Basically, You will only have peace if you have Jesus Christ in your heart. You will only have peace if you put your trust to God.
According to Charles Swindoll in his book entitled Perfect Trust : Let's be a distinctive people- people who step out in faith even when the future is fuzzy, people whose lives reflect a quite peace and calm assurance because we have cultivated perfect trust in God.
This is the part that all you can say to the Lord is: "Whoo! Lord, I don't know what will happen, but I will still entrust it to you. In just one snap of your finger you can change our situation. That's why I'll let you be in charge, Lord, you are in control and you know whats best for me.”
Photo by: Nathaniel Callanta
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