Attitudes for Tough Times - Discouraged?
If ever there was a time when people's faith and perseverance was tested, it is during this time of Covid 19. There have been many expectations from people all over the world for someone to come up with solutions to the pandemic. The scientists, the religious people, the doctors don't seem to have an immediate explanation as to the where, why and how questions beings asked. There is a sense of despair and discouragement.But let us consider Heb12:1-3: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith..."
When we look horizontally, we get so discouraged. When we let what others say or think and the expectations of people have of us influence us, then discouragement sets in and we easily get weary. Jesus has opened a new and living way through His body and so it is important that we "look unto Jesus" and "consider Him". When we bring our lives before the Lord, we will find encouragement. All our troubles and all our reasons for discouragement fade away, when we look up and see Him. Hebrews says, "let us draw close to God...." When we do this, we realise that the difficulties we face are just another way for us to identify with His sufferings.
Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ- yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participating in His suffering, becoming like Him in His death." Jesus is able to turn around our difficult situations into means through which we become Christ like.
Discouragement simply becomes a way for His treasure to shine out through the broken clay vessels that we are. In our weakness He is made strong. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me 2Corinthians 12:9.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.
Faith by nature is based upon what we cannot see. Things happen and we can't understand why. But we can believe that God will work it out for the best. We can cling to Him in depression, hurt or sorrow knowing that these things are for a reason and that He is strong enough to carry us through. We may not know the solution yet, but He can give us peace as we trust Him to work all things together for our good, by faith we come to Him with whatever life brings, joys and sorrows knowing that He is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble (Ps46:1)
Shalom
| Therefore, sisters and brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews10:19-25) |
Jane Nyirongo is a minister at Garden congregation in Mchinga Presbytery
