Good Morning, Meetpastordan Readers…just as I sat down to write today’s blog, I got this message from Dr. Franklin Graham. Since it is in line with what I intended to write about, I will share his opening segment with you. (After all, why reinvent the wheel, right?) “The coronavirus has turned everyday life for most people upside down. America, like most of the world, is in a state of emergency. Millions are faced with unemployment or business loss, but most tragic of all, so many are facing this pandemic without the hope of Jesus Christ. People are filled with anxiety and fear.
At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, we opened a 24/7 prayer line (888-388-2683) for people who want someone to pray with them. Early this week, we began airing a 60-second evangelistic message on TV across the entire United States, and we have had thousands of people call. We are humbled by this opportunity to share the message of His love and salvation.”
In my blog last week, I was very specific about the comfort and hope afforded to all who turn to Jesus Christ as their source of courage and strength. When we are smacked in the face with trials and challenges that overwhelm us, we have one of two choices. We can shake our fist at God and ask, “Why God? Why are You doing this to me? Or, we can press into Him, and ask for courage and strength to weather this storm in a way that honors Him. James 4:10 tells us why the latter approach is the preferred response: “When we come humbly before the Lord and admit our dependence on Him, He will lift us up and give us honor.” Nothing more does God want than for us to turn to Him in our times of trouble, because that process opens the doors from which the blessings flow.
As much as we don’t want to hear this, trials and tribulations (troubles) are an inevitable part of life. (God is NOT the author of these challenges, but He allows us to experience them; then we exercise our free-will as to how we will handle them.) We are born into this fallen world, consequently, we cannot escape the effects of “The Fall” – SIN! How we respond to this challenge determines our eternal destiny. This is spelled out clearly in Galatians 5: 17, when Apostle Paul was talking about the importance of making the right choices: “These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict.” He is talking here about the eternal conflict of good vs. evil. Metaphorically speaking, we are all born into that eternal morality play, and the choices we make determine our contribution to the play. “Romans 6:23 clearly presents the outcome of the play as it relates to us: “For the wages of sin is death, BUT the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.”
The right choices in that scenario seal our eternal destiny, so that is indeed a comforting truth. But for those of us who are still alive in this spiritually and morally bankrupt world, we continue to contend with the effects of “The Fall.” We are experiencing it right now with the coronavirus pandemic, and its effects, both real and unreal, are reaping a heavy toll on everyone, not only in our country, but around the world. Not only is the physical menace itself a threat, but the psychological effects of knowing and worrying, or not knowing and worrying, are responsible for a dramatic increase in other maladies such as fear, anxiety and depression.
If you are caught up in this insidious web and feel helpless to set yourself free, I strongly suggest turning to Jesus Christ as your answer. Even if you call yourself a Christian, but are still struggling with fear, anxiety and depression, this is the time to ratchet-up your relationship with Him. The good news is, He will meet any of us wherever we are in our journey, whether in Christ or not yet in Christ. When we call on His name, Acts 4:12 tells us “There is salvation in no other name in heaven, nor on earth, than Jesus!)
When we are in Christ, we receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is part of God’s salvation plan. The Holy Spirit is His gift to us so we can tap into the supernatural realm for empowerment.to accomplishment more than was previously possible through our own effort. This is how we become the person He created us to be. This is how we make choices that bring honor and glory to Him.
It is only by being in Christ, that this promise comes to life: “Come to me, all who are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) This promise from Jesus is the key to confident assurance, peace, serenity, and joy. Isn’t this what everyone is looking for right now? If so, you needn’t look any further. He also said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust Me!” (Mark 5:36) and “I will never leave you; I will never forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) These are only three of the hundreds of promises found in the Bible, and as Christ-followers, we are heir to every one of them.
Feel free to respond to this message, and please “like” and share it with other social media friends.
May God Bless You, and keep you safe during these trying times…
Dan Presgrave (a.k.a. Pastor Dan)
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