NEVER LOSE HEART

NEVER LOSE HEART

No matter what happens in or around your life, endeavor to maintain faith, balance, peace and perspective.  During your crisis moments, consider the story of the shipwrecked survivor who was the only person left alive on a remote Pacific island.  He prayed fervently every day, asking God to send someone along to rescue him.  Day after day, he looked for God’s help, but simply could not find it.  Growing weary of waiting, he decided to construct a crude and meager shelter in order to protect himself and his few possessions.  But one evening, after foraging for food, he returned to find his shelter consumed by fire.

Everything he owned had been completely burned up.

The castaway sailor was totally confused and terribly angry with God.  In despair, he shouted out: “WHY. GOD?  Why did you do this to me?”  Then he fell into a deep sleep on the sandy shore.  Before dawn, he heard the sound of a boat rapidly approaching the island.  At long last, his rescuers had arrived!  He asked them how they knew he was on the island.  The rescuers said they saw the huge fire and smoke signals he had made the night before. 

Often our apparent accidents and incidents are divine providence in disguise. It is so easy to feel angry, confused, helpless, or hopeless whenever things seem to go terribly wrong.  But we should never lose heart, because GOD IS ALWAYS UP TO SOMETHING BEHIND THE SCENES.  So remember, the next time your HOUSE IS ON FIRE, it just might be a SMOKE SIGNAL orchestrated by God for your personal blessing and deliverance.  As the Apostle Paul stated so eloquently, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Finally, we must reflect prayerfully on the example of JESUS, from which we draw illumination and inspiration.  He suffered the most profound humiliation and agony: public crucifixion.  Yet, while “despising the shame,” HE “endured the cross” and won ultimate victory for believing humankind.  During your darkest moments, “Consider HIM who endured such opposition from sinners, so that YOU will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)

In closing, believers are constantly comforted and sustained by the perpetual promises, plans and purposes of God.  His Word is our beacon, our bounty, our rescue and our reward.  It is absolutely assuring to realize that HE always has us on HIS MIND!  “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!