God doesn’t give the hardest battles to the toughest soldiers, He creates the toughest soldiers out of life’s hardest battles.
Last week I had a phone call from one of my past pupils. Bev and I were having coffee at the time and I contemplated not taking the call, but felt prompted to answer. We chatted for about 30 minutes and he just shared about everything he was going through and how he was keen to try and get an opportunity to leave South Africa and move to Australia. He sent me his CV and I was in the process of getting it out… now, he’s dead!
There are so many people out there who are struggling; not because they are weak, but because they are going through really difficult times. Sometimes we are going through things that nobody is even aware of, because we love to show how in control we are. We want to impress others. Why? Matthew West sings an amazing song about this…
Lie number one: You’re supposed to have it all together
And when they ask how you’re doin’, just smile and tell them, “Never better”
Lie number two: Everybody’s life is perfect except yours
So keep your messes and your wounds and your secrets safe with you behind closed doors…
The first step as a Christian is to recognise the fact that we don’t have it all together. It means realising that we need help. And that is exactly why so many people are hesitant when it comes to accepting Jesus Christ; because it means we need to admit we can’t go through this life without help. And when we do decide to look for help, we tend to look for it in all the wrong places. The only One in whom we can find eternal hope, has a name that is more powerful than any “hopeless moment” we are experiencing. The only One in whom we can find eternal hope, casts a light on the darkness moments we go through. That name is Jesus Christ.
No matter what is thrown at me, my hope is secure. Nothing can sink me in this life because I stand on the One who gives me peace in the storm. He is my anchor and my rock. No matter how hopeless this world may seem, God is still in control and has never surrendered His authority. I know that, one day, all the authorities of this world who are hungry for power, will bow down and confess that God is in control. On that day, I know that I will enter into His Kingdom, where there will be no more pain and sorrow. And that… is my hope that nothing and nobody can take away from me.
So, please don’t give up! Find eternal peace in the One who is Hope. So that, no matter how dark a moment might seem in your life, you will know that the Son is there with you, and will get you through, whatever you might be going through.
Have a wonderful day.
Mark Davidson
