Tag Archives: faithfulness

Return to Faithfulness

September 19, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

The basics of backsliding.

As a child, I remember our worship services especially the ones with sermons that warned our congregation of the dangers of “backsliding”. After the minister’s fiery discourse, a few members would approach the “welcoming” altar, many times weeping and repentant.

The word backslide, in a Christian context, implies movement away from Christ rather than toward Him. A backslider is someone who is going the wrong way, spiritually. He is regressing rather than progressing. The backslider had at one time demonstrated a commitment to Christ or maintained a certain standard of behavior, but he has since reverted to old ways. Backsliding in Hebrew mean “turning away, turning back, or apostasy”. It infers “defection”—turning away for the wisdom of God (Prov. 1:32) and away from Jehovah—the Covenant Keeping God (Jer. 3:6, 8, 11, 12).

Return to the wisdom of God.

We don’t hear much about backsliding these days. Perhaps our focus has shifted to the “lost” versus those who “appear to be” in the ark of safety. But backsliders are as important to God as the unsaved in that backsliding is an indication of the lack of one’s faithfulness to Him. Faithfulness to God was an important part of the prophets’ proclamations and is central in appreciating Hosea 11.

The Old Testament prophet’s function was to not only herald the warnings of God but to also remind God’s people, Israel, to remain faithful to Him. Through the prophets, God announced His intentions to enforce the covenant which was always in accordance with categories of blessings and curses already contained in the Law. Even today, we need to take heed to the prophetic Word of God. We must remain faithful to Him and if we have “backslidden”, repent, and return to faithfully follow God.

A Prophet’s view of backsliding

In Hosea 11, God speaks to the prophet as one would speak to a close friend and confidant. God shares with Hosea His history of unbridled favor and goodness to Israel. The opening verses (vv. 1-3) read like a doting parent, who has poured all their affection and attention upon their child only to receive, in return, opposition and defiance. God’s “gentle cords and bands of love” (v. 3) only resulted in Israel’s ingratitude and unfaithfulness.

For Israel’s immorality and worship of idols, God’s punishment of Israel would be swift and severe. Israel’s unfaithfulness would earn God’s judgment and doom. God’s compassion toward Israel would be the only reason God’s mercy and grace would be extended (Hosea 12:6). It would, however, call for their faithfulness to God.

Why do we backslide?

God attributes Israel’s behavior to its “bentness to backsliding.” This “bentness” is like Paul’s description of “the flesh”—that unredeemed part of man that still exists within believers (Rom. 7: 17-19). Israel was deaf and disobedient to God’s voice, spoken by Moses and His other prophets. They rebelled and became more resolute in their disobedience; adding to Israel’s injurious behavior, was their failure to exalt God (Hos. 11:7).

The positive ending to what began as a tragic narrative is that despite Israel’s faithlessness, God was faithful. God honored His covenant and extended mercy to Israel with the promise to ultimately restore His covenant people to Himself (vv. 10-11).

Are we guilty of 21st century backsliding?

How similar is Israel’s behavior to that which we find in our nation, in our homes, and in our individual faith walk. That same “bentness to sin” that tempted Israel still tempts us today to unfaithful behavior. Though delivered from the bondage of sin, we may find ourselves still pursuing those things that feed our fleshly desires and wants (1 John 2:15-17). Backsliding may manifest itself in several ways, e.g., dropping out of church, losing fervor for the Lord, walking away from a ministry or a family, or falling back into old habits.

It is a great encouragement to our hope in God’s mercies to remember that “God is God”, and not man. He is the Holy One. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and receives us even when we are guilty of backsliding. God is faithful to His covenant people. Even in our faithlessness, God remains faithful to us (2 Tim. 2:13).

Spiritual Discipline

Return to Our First Love

September 12, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Do you remember?

Who can forget their first love? The excitement we felt when that special person entered the room. The anticipation of seeing them and the connection that was made as eyes met. The experience of first love, with all its innocence and purity, was never to be repeated—for that is the way of “first things”.

Remember the first time you professed your love for Jesus Christ? With that experience came the same excitement and anticipation as our first earthly love. Unlike most first things that eventually lose their luster, it is important for us to make every effort to nurture and cultivate our personal relationship with our First Love, Jesus Christ.

How’s love today?

Are we feeling distant and estranged from God? Do our prayers appear routine and repetitive? Is our praise predictable and puny? If we answered yes to any of these questions, then it’s time for us to examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) and see what is hindering our personal relationship with the Lord. God never changes (Malachi 3:6) nor has God moved. Maybe it’s time to return to our first love for Jesus.

The church at Ephesus had persevered and endured hardship for the Lord. This was a critical part of the early church’s responsibility to insure a clear and true presentation of the gospel (Eph. 4:1-2). In general, this church had continued in its faithful service to God for more than 40 years. While all these “efforts” were important in the development of the early church (as it is now), there was something noticeably absent. They had left their first love for Jesus.

Time to return.

Jesus lays a charge of carelessness in Ephesus’ relationship with Him in Revelations 2:4: ” Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

In the literal translation of today’s text, the order of the words in Greek emphatically denote the strong rebuke directed to the church. “Your first love you have left!” This second-generation of believers, had retained purity of doctrine but were lacking in deep devotion to Christ.

As believers, we must ask ourselves if we too are careless in cultivating our relationship with the Lord. Remember the first time we professed our love for Jesus Christ? With that experience came excitement and anticipation. Are we now guilty of taking our eyes off the Lord? Are we more concerned with our personal agendas than practicing the presence of the Holy Spirit? Have we left our first love?

And what can we say about the Church, Christ’s bride (Rev. 19:7-9)? The Church needs to heed the same warning given to the Ephesians. Orthodoxy and service is not enough. Christ wants hearts as well as our hands and heads (Matt. 22:37).

How can I return?

Last week, we agreed that repentance is the starting point to return to God. Once this has taken place, we might consider the following strategies to return to His side (1 John 1:3).

Recommit ourselves to Him. Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? (Rom. 6:16) Recommitment involves renewing your loyalty to Christ and His lordship over your life. This includes directing your time, talents, and treasures to the service of the Lord. We are so grateful that there is nothing that can ever separate us from God’s love (Rom. 8:39).

Renew our love for Him. I will love You, O LORD, my strength (Ps. 18:1). Tell the Lord how much you love Him. Although He is all-knowing, He still wants to hear us tell Him how much we adore Him. We must let Him know that we desire Him with all our heart and soul (Ps. 42:1-2). Let us show our love for Him through our praise and worship. We are never closer to Him than when we “love on Him” (Ps. 22:3).

Reprioritize our life around Him. Christ set the standard for priority when He said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6: 33). However, to make God the center of our life is counterculture. When we place Christ first in our life, we are assured that we have chosen the “Good Part” (Luke 10:42).

It’s time to return to our first love! He is waiting for us (Isa. 30:15, 18).

Victorious Living

In Search of Peace: Whose peace do we want?

August 16, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

In Search of peace.

As we learned last week, peace can be defined in many ways. From a world perspective, peace is a stress-free state where there is perfect harmony and freedom. However, peace from a biblical perspective provides us with more precise descriptions on which to focus our attention.

Both the Old and New Testaments use the root word, salom or shalom to capture the meaning of peace as “completeness, contentment, rest, and harmony”.

Peace by any definition can be very elusive and subject to change because of external influences. That’s why we need to be clear as to what we’re looking for and where we think we may find it.

Loss of our Peace.

At one time man experienced “perfect peace”. That peace was found in the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. There was completeness, contentment, rest, and harmony. On Maslow’s Hierarchy they were “at the top” of the pyramid. Their peace, however, ended with the entrance of sin.

In the beginning, all creation was in a state of shalom, and this is the environment that Adam and Eve entered into. This Shalom was a perfect peace, where the infinite Creator of all things was in complete communion with his created beings Adam and Eve. Yet sin destroyed that shalom and cast the world into a place of brokenness. The fallen world we live in, with its violence, heartache, pain, and death are very visible results of the Shalom that was lost so very long ago.[1]

As we view the challenges of living in the 21^st century with its social challenges, spiritual deficits, and moral vice, we might ask if peace can become a reality in our lifetime. Peace can be achieved but it must begin with an understanding of the true source of peace.

Man-made peace.

There are two types of peace we can experience. The first is man-made peace which is based on the creation of external systems to ensure safety and security. It also includes safeguards to support peaceful interactions between individuals, groups, and communities (relationships). On a large scale we see governments (local, state, or national) serving in these roles. Our best efforts in fabricating peace will only leave us in disappointment and despair because our skewed understanding of peace is dependent upon things outside our control![2]

God-given peace.

The other option we have is God-given peace. The pursuit of God-given peace begins with being spiritually reconciled to God (Rom. 5:10). Because of our sin nature, our relationship is estranged. The way back to God is only possible through acceptance of Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sin (Rom. 5:8-9). Once reconciled to God, we are no longer in enmity with each other. We have peace with God.

Once we have peace with God, we become heirs of salvation and part of God’s Kingdom (Rom. 8:17). As children of God, we receive the Holy Spirit who dwells within us to comfort and strengthen us during difficult times. The Holy Spirit brings peace by reminding us of the faithfulness of God. The Spirit speaks to the promises and blessings that are ours because of our righteous standing made possible through Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-14; 2 Peter 1:3-4). We have the peace of God.

As we daily walk in newness of life with the Holy Spirit as our guide, we begin to act like Jesus. We are told to be conformed to the image of Christ who provides us with the model of how we act and react while living in this fallen world. We have escaped the corruption that is in the world through our knowledge of God—His power, His purpose, and His presence. This provides us with great confidence even when pressed on every side (2 Cor. 4:8-9). We have peace from God.

True Peace

Jesus promised to give His Disciples peace. Jesus’ peace quiets the inner turmoil that comes with danger.

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you: I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled, or fearful.” (John 14:27, CSB)

The Apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians that God’s peace is true peace.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7, Living Bible)

Whose peace do we desire? True peace can only be found in God through Jesus Christ. God’s peace is underwritten by His unchanging promises and experienced through the presence of the Holy Spirit living within us. God’s peace meets the perfect biblical standards. It is complete, leading to contentment, giving us rest (from worry), and creating harmony in our relationships.

[1] Jason Soroski, “What does shalom mean and why is it important?”, Crosswalk.com.

[2] Samuel Stephens, “The Pursuit of Peace”, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

Spiritual Maturity

Clarion Word Classics: What if Jesus Really Meant what He Said?

July 25, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Expand our spiritual thought

Earlier this year, WordBytes launched a new learning format entitled The Clarion Word Classics. The word “clarion” comes from the Latin word claru or ‘clear’. Used as an adjective, it means ‘loud and clear’.

Our intent with this quarterly series is to make “loud and clear” what is ours in Christ (Rom. 8:17) and the relevancy of our faith for this present generation (Matt. 24:34).

New thought

With The Clarion Word Classics we will share faith writings from key theologians who will strengthen and enrich our spiritual lives and faith walk. Some from sage theologians and writers and also introduce contemporary writers who express spiritual answers to the challenges of 21^st century living.

To kickoff this Clarion Word Classics (CWC), we introduce the book Red Letter Revolution: What if Jesus Really Meant What He Said? Listed among the most popular devotional books, we thought this may be of interest to our curious readers. Shane Claiborn and Tony Campolo , offer interesting perspectives on how to make our faith real in a world with no absolutes and growing disbelief in God and Jesus.

Let the Holy Spirit guide you

In the Word Ministries provides CWC in our effort to “inspire authentic communities of faith, fellowship, and learning.” It is in that spirit that we share this book. This is not an endorsement or agreement with the views shared. Here is an excerpt from and about Red Letter Revolution.

Spiritual Maturity

Throwback Wednesday: Six Months to Live

May 2, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Where has the time gone?

It’s May, 2023. In a few weeks, we will enter midyear. And my question is this. What have you done with the time gifted to you? Did you squander it?

Have you rushed to do the routine rather than enjoying the uniqueness of each day. The rich fool spent his time in the routine of planting, not knowing that his soul would be required of him, sooner than later. (Luke 12:13-21)

Have you spent your time pondering over past hurts and offenses? There is little to be gained in such activities and definitely nothing that can be useful in accomplishing God’s purpose for our lives. The brother of the prodigal son was offended and jealous of the attention his brother received. He chose to “cling” to his anger. He was offended and “would not come in.” (Luke 16:25-32)

If given the prognosis that you had six months to live, how would you spend your time? This is the topic for discussion in this Throwback Wednesday.

Six months to live?

What would you do if after your annual physical exam, the doctor shared the sobering fact that you have six months to live? This is not a scenario I would wish on anyone. However, in reality, we don’t know how much time we have left in our frail and finite lives (Ps. 90:10-12). It really could be six months, six days, or six years. So what’s my point?

We have passed the midpoint of 2021. Taken in a larger context, we have moved passed the events of 2020, with its losses and human volatility. BUT GOD has brought us safely to this point in time (Prov. 18:10). And what will we do with the time that remains? What will we do with our next six months? Will we live our life as if there is no tomorrow? Or will we live each day with gratitude and intentionality?

Living with gratitude and intentionality

Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation and thankfulness for what one has. Regrettably, we often miss the mark in articulating gratitude. In the busyness of living, we take for granted those things God provides through His grace.

Intentionality is the fact of being deliberate or purposeful. Living with intention means that we consciously direct our thoughts, beliefs, and actions toward some object or situation. For believers, this object is Jesus and the Kingdom of God.

A second invitation to abundant living

Both gratitude and intentionality are key in moving us closer to the abundant life God has designed for each of our lives (Ep. 2:10; John 10:10).

As we examine our lives (with six months to live), it might be helpful to revisit the blessings God has for us when we practice gratitude and intentional living.

Abundant Living is a great reminder of God’s possibilities for the time He is giving us. What will we do with our next six months?

Knowing God

Where do I go for comfort?

February 8, 2023 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Where do you go?

There is a song I love to sing when I feel at my wits end (yes, even believers reach that point). The lyrics clearly describe the various resources I seek when in that state of mental and spiritual anguish. Today I even played it in praise as God answered a prayer of deliverance for a family member. The words are these:

Where do I go when there’s nobody else to turn to?
Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable?

I go to the Rock
I know He’s able
I go to the Rock.

Where do I go, where do I go?
When the storms of life are threatening?
Who do I turn to when those winds of sorrows blow?
And is there a refuge in the time of tribulation?

I go to the Rock
I know He’s able
I go to the Rock.

That Rock, in the song, is the Rock of our salvation—Jesus Christ. God has provided for us “The Source” as “The Resource” to the comfort we need in times when storms roar in our life. God does that because He is the only, real source of all comfort. He is the God of all Comfort.

All Comfort

“The God of all comfort” is an Old Testament description of God who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort (Ps. 23:4; Ps. 119:76). The Greek word for comfort is related to the familiar word paraclete, one who comes alongside to help. It is another name for the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).

Comfort is often used to mean softness and ease. But this is not the meaning in 2 Cor. 1:3-4.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any [a]trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The Apostle Paul is saying that God came to him in the middle of his suffering and trouble to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness.

Paul thanks the God of all Comfort for his deliverance from the trials and tribulations he experienced in Asia (Acts 19). Consequently, God delivered Paul from all these and provided for all his needs (2 Cor. 1:8-10). This deepened Paul’s love and trust in God. It was Paul’s personal need and God’s divine response–His mercy and comfort–that drew Paul even closer to God than before his trials. Are you closer to God after your trials and challenges?

God has not changed (Mal. 3:6; James 1:17). Though God is still in the heavens, He reigns over all the world (Ps. 103:19). God comes alongside us (paraclete) to help us during our time of trouble. God is there to provide divine comfort–strength and courage–during difficult times. He is the God of all comfort.

That we may be able to comfort…

Just as Paul shared with the church at Corinth, sharing how we endure afflictions and trials can benefit others (2 Cor. 1:5-6). As God comforts us, we can comfort others. In doing so, we not only encourage those going through difficult times, but also ensure their ability to persevere.

By extending our comfort, we can help our community not only survive but thrive in the midst of social upheaval and political rankering. We can help others increase their emotional capacity and their ability to move forward rather than being stuck in their past pain and hurt.

Most importantly, we can introduce them to the God of all Comfort. Gloria Gaither, Christian singer-songwriter, and author leaves us this observation about the God of all comfort.

God walks with us. He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is there.

Victorious Living

Thanksgiving Gratitude

November 22, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

“In everything give thanks.”

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are instructed to give thanks in everything. What does that look like in our homes and cities as we continue to deal with challenges on every hand. Especially this Thanksgiving.

As we prepare for our family gatherings, the impact of inflation, rising gas prices, and supply shortages may cause us to question, “is there really anything to be thankful for?” What gratitude are you bringing to this year’s Thanksgiving celebration?

Gratitude is an emotion expressing appreciation and thankfulness for what one has. Is there anything we appreciate or are thankful for? While we are very good at expressing our displeasure for what we don’t have, regrettably, we often miss the mark in articulating our gratitude.

Failure to show gratitude

We, in general, are slow in offering gratitude. We will sometimes express gratitude when prayers are answered, or catastrophes are avoided. However, even in those special circumstances, we are more likely to attribute our good fortune to luck than to God’s benevolence.

In the busyness of living, we take for granted those things God provides through His grace to all mankind: the sun and the moon (Deut. 33:14), the regularity with which the seasons change (Gen. 8:22), and the marvels of created life (Rom. 1:20).

We fail to recognize our blessings and therefore fail to express gratitude. Gratitude is the only “proper response” to beneficence: the generosity and kindness from a benefactor. In our case, exuberant gratitude is the best response to our gracious and loving God.

Gratitude and salvation

With salvation, we as believers experience a multitude of blessings, both now and in the future. First and foremost is our deliverance from the power and penalty of sin (Rom. 6:9). This release from our sin nature provides instant access to God the Father (Rom. 5:2).

We are given a new identity in Christ, both as children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:16-17). As new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we are gifted with the presence of the Holy Spirit who empowers us with the same dunamis power that raised Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19).

Finally, eternal life is God’s special gift to believers. It is a gift that cannot be acquired through works, or any other path. Yet it is readily available through belief in Jesus the Christ (John 3:16). Through eternal life, we can experience God’s presence, peace, and provision. As heirs of God, we await our final inheritance reserved for us in heaven, when we return to our true home (1 Pet. 1:3-4).

It is God’s will that in everything, we give thanks.

It is not God’s will that we express gratitude for “gratitude’s sake only”. We know that in giving thanks, His power can be released into our life in ways never before seen.

This includes the formation of incredible joy, unshakeable hope, and unbroken peace (1 Pet. 1:2-4). The outward expression of appreciation to God, works to bring new power and access that, under other circumstances, would be unattainable.

As we prepare for this year’s Thanksgiving, are we grateful for what we do have? According to the Greek writer and philosopher, Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others.” Let us, therefore, bring to this Thanksgiving dinner an “extra serving” of gratitude.

Spiritual Endurance

Throwback Wednesday: Recapturing Our Thoughts

October 26, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A Great Read

I recently finished a book which has proven very insightful for me as I strive to be “more conformed” to the image of my Lord and Savior. The book is entitled, “Watchfulness: Rediscovering a Lost Spiritual Discipline, by Brian G. Hedges.

Hedges proposes that Christians could benefit spiritually by exercising greater “vigilance or watchfulness” over their hearts, minds, and souls. Why? To protect ourselves from Satan’s snares, the world’s bendings, and our flesh’s weakness. We need to be more intentional.

Throwback connection

With this book I mind, I thought it would be a great refresher to revisit for this Throwback Wednesday, “Recapturing Our Thoughts.”

Our thoughts are vulnerable to attack by the world and by Satan. Our flesh is continually weakened by marketing and media; by every sound byte we listen to.

Begin your “watchfulness journey” by recapturing your thoughts.

Spiritual Endurance

Our Theology of Suffering: Purpose and Possibilities, Part 1

October 4, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Why suffering?

Pain and suffering have been themes for many great philosophers. But when we enter a time of suffering, all the wisest speculation of the philosophers seeing empty and meaningless. We simply hurt. And the mystery as to why we experience suffering often remains shrouded and hidden.

Beginning with Adam and Eve, human beings have suffered because of their wrong choices AND/OR because of the wrong choices and acts of others. As we shared earlier, suffering is the natural consequence of sin and therefore, an integral part of the human experience.

Biblical perspective of human suffering

Unlike the ancient Greek Stoics who viewed suffering as a man’s fate in an impersonal universe, the Bible affirms a world ordered by a personal God.

In the Old Testament suffering is set in the context of morality and the divine purpose. There is no hint of chance or fate. From a morality standpoint, suffering is a consequence of sin. God establishes a moral order in creation and retribution is metered out in life experiences.

Pain and suffering are concepts that draw attention to how human beings are affected by the tragedies of life. It is not the loss of a home or a loved one, nor physical agony, that seems devastating. It is how such an experience affects us within, causing doubts and fears and trembling as the pattern of our lives is shaken and our expectations fail.[1]

The prime Old Testament example of one who endured pain and suffering is Job. Although he was a person whom God Himself called blameless and upright (Job 1:8), he lost everything in a single day. However, even after Job was restored, there is no answer as to why he suffered. But in this revelation, we see, it was Job’s faithfulness and trust that resulted in blessings that were even greater than before his loss (Job 42:12-17).

In the New Testament, we discover God’s attitude to suffering expressed in Jesus. Not only did God sympathize, sharing in our hurt and suffering, but God in Jesus even entered humanity and took on to Himself the full weight of sin (Heb. 2:14-18). And with that weight came suffering. Christ presents to us a model we can use to “embrace” suffering. Jesus’ attitude reflected trust, obedience, patience, and hope.

So what are we to do?

Scripture offers no magic remedy when suffering surprises and overwhelms us. There is no verse to read that will instantly heal us or even dull our pain. Grasping what the Bible teaches us about suffering (and how to meet it) will not relieve it. Nor will it release us from circumstances beyond our control.

However, the biblical perspective on suffering, will enable us to better cope and even to overcome those difficult times. The sufferings of the prophets, the apostles, and others, just like us, “reveal” the goodness and the greatness of Almighty God.

It reaffirms our trust in God and encourages us to “go deeper” in our relationship with Him. While we may not understand the reason for our suffering, we as believers can be assured God is with us to both comfort and strengthen us. The God of the mountains—our good times—is the same God of the valley—our times of suffering (1 Kin. 20:28). It is in the valley that we rekindle our hope and trust in Him; that we will KNOW that He is our God!

Our theology of suffering

With every incident of pain and distress, we are continually “updating” our “theology of suffering”. What did we learn about ourselves or about God in this experience? Are we getting “bitter or better” in managing through suffering? How are we responding? With anger, fear, or trust?

The mystery as to “why” we experience suffering remains shrouded and hidden. However, our best strategy and response is to develop a theology that draws its strength, faith, and hope from Eternal God. Perhaps one day, in eternity, we will discover the purpose for our suffering. But once we see Jesus, will it really matter?

More on suffering, its purpose, and possibilities, next week.

[1] Encyclopedia of Bible Words, Zondervan Publishing House

Our Faith Walk

When life turns left

September 6, 2022 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Bad news

The morning headlines reads: “Man Loses Everything in Bizarre Disasters.”

Breaking News at 5 shares this update: “Doctors were seen leaving the victim’s home. It is believed that now, even his health is beginning to deteriorate due to the shock of these tragic turn of events. However, bad as things might be, he is currently being supported by his church and close friends. While our victim was unavailable for comment, his wife was said to be angry and unsupportive. Some even heard her tell her husband, “You ought to curse God for all that is happening to us.”

Well, as you can tell the “he” in this news event was Job. He was described in Scripture as “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” (Job 1:1) Job was a tribal chieftain, like Abraham who suddenly incurred total disaster—his wealth lost, children dead, and his health ruined.

Suffering in Faith

The book of Job analyzes the question how a righteous person like Job can encounter such enormous troubles. Of course, as we read Job, we better understand why Job’s situation came to be (Job 1:6-12). More importantly, by the end of the book, we understand that, like Job, we cannot always understand why we suffer but we must endure our sufferings in faith.

What does it mean to “endure suffering in faith”? In faith believes that despite our circumstance, we know that God is with us (Is. 43:1-2). In faith we remain steadfast, even during tragedy (1 Pet. 4:1; 1 Cor. 15:58). In faith our trust is anchored to Almighty God who is in control of all that is happening to us (Hab. 3:17-19).

One thing we must always remember (and never forget): We live in a fallen world. It is a place where everything is not always perfect nor is it always fair. Life happens! Sickness, disease, misfortune, and other “stuff”. That’s reality. But only ONE reality.

Reality when life turns left

If we lose everything we own, will we still love God? Suppose we lose our only child, our family home, and our health. Will we still serve God? If everyone turns their back on us, will we still obey God? When God is silent, can we still trust Him? Such are the questions we ask ourselves when life turns left. What, why, how?

As followers of Jesus Christ, we live in a reality based on “who we are” and “Whose we are”. First and foremost, we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Secondarily, we are in Christ (Ep. 1:3-14). In Christ, we have the security of God’s presence, His power, His provision, and His protection. Bad things may happen in our life (remember we live in a fallen world) but in Christ we are able to overcome the world.

This month we will spend some time on the theology of suffering. Why? Because these times of uncertainty will often lead to suffering and pain. We need to believe that regardless of our circumstance, we can live victoriously even during our suffering (2 Cor. 4:17).

To begin our journey, we invite you to read “The Clue to Life’s Maze,” F.B. Meyer’s perspective on Job and life lived in the context of a fallen world.