Hannu Janhunen | The Voice of Zion November 2018 --
Outwardly, our friends’ lives might look fine, but we do not always know what they are experiencing. They may have many heavy trials. Each of us experiences things differently; some things weigh more heavily on one than the other. We all have our own trials to bear. When trials beset us, we can become tired and weary. We may ponder what the future will bring. We may wonder how we will have the strength to believe. What are we to do?
Sometimes we do things in this life that have consequences. Perhaps we spend money foolishly or even fall into using illegal substances. These can bring severe consequences and even temporal punishment.
God’s Word clearly shows us the right way. Matthew writes these words of Jesus: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (6:33). When we are able to journey in faith, we experience security and joy. God’s Word encourages us to trust in God and His guidance.
Remember the Life of Job
There can be blessing and protection in the trials we have been given. God has seen fit for us to experience trials. Many times this is hard to accept. We remember the life of Job, who was given extreme trials. He lost everything: his family, his livelihood and all his possessions. In the end, he acknowledged that God sees everything, even one’s innermost thoughts. He found himself to be a sinner and wanted to repent in dust and ashes. After Job’s darkest time of loss, sorrow and illness, God blessed him. Job received twice as much as he previously had. Most importantly, he left a testimony of faith (Job 42:1–17).
Our minds can become mired in thoughts such as “Why am I experiencing all these things?” or “It is not fair for me to have all these trials.” We are not able to measure the fairness of our own trials. God’s ways are so much higher than our ways. He desires that we would make it to the destination of heaven.
When the Israelites were on their journey towards the promised land, God gave them His promise: “Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared” (Exod. 23:20).
God Is with Us Always
It is yet the same for today’s believers. God has promised to be with us all the days of our lives. We are reassured by the thought that God cares for us and protects us. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a good example for us. Her acceptance of God’s will teaches us to trust in God and His direction. We hear God’s will through His Word that is taught by the Holy Spirit in God’s kingdom.
When trials weigh on us, it is good to discuss the way and the journey with other believers. They offer us comfort, guidance and reassurance. Mary went to visit Elizabeth and stayed there for three months before returning home. God took care of Mary even after the death of her son. On the cross, Jesus gave John the duty of taking care of her as his own mother (John 19:26,27).
God’s protection is also always with us. God has given us the gift of faith, and He wants to protect us in faith every day. Jesus prays on behalf of His children so that we would be protected from all evil. Before His departure, He asked the Heavenly Father, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15).
Don’t Fear the Future
A believer needn’t fear the future. Jesus asks us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all necessary needs will be given to us. He prays on our behalf without ceasing. He does not forget that His children are yet on the journey, travel-weary and tried.
What refreshes us most amidst our trials is the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. When a fellow believer forgives all our sins, we are given strength to carry on. We can continue with joy on our pathway to heaven.
Little Glimpses of Heaven
Krista Simonson | The Voice of Zion November 2018 --
On a quiet evening, I find myself lighting candles. I sit in the semi-darkness, the room illuminated by softly glowing candlelight.
My thoughts drift here and there, thinking upon this day, upon bygone days and moments. I ponder this life—this gift of existing here on this Earth, this gift of faith in my heart, this gift of hope that shows me the way to heaven.
How has it been for you, my friend? Has your life been full of only joy-filled moments, full of carefree, sunny days? Or have you also had difficult times: cloud-filled, heavy days, when your faith has been tried—when you have wondered how you can keep on?
On difficult, often wearying days, have fears and doubts come? Did they start as a tiny snowball that began to roll downhill, gathering momentum, along with more snow and more size?
In such moments, has it been easy to believe, to trust? Or, buried under that ever-growing snowball, have you found yourself crying out: Dear Father, am I yet in Your care?
What is it that can stop that snowball short in its tracks? What can cause it to melt into nothing and make it disappear?
I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me (Ps. 77:1).
What a relief it has been when I have been able to unburden my heart to a trusted escort! What a relief it has been to hear the words: All sins, all doubts, all fears, ALL are forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus! In times when life has heavily pressed me down, my heart from its very base, has been lifted up! Such is the power of the gospel, this love of our heavenly Father!
Peace comes, and a soothing joy, that reaches beyond, and deeper, than the heartaches and hardships of this temporary earthly existence. Strength and courage also come—to take a forward footstep, and then another.
May my heart always remember to turn to this gospel message. It renews my trust and my hope. It gives to me little glimpses of heaven.
God knows me through and through. He balances everything just so for me.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it (Ps. 139:3,5,6).
On this peaceful candle-lit evening, in these moments of reflection, my heart nods and quiet thankfulness seeps in: I have needed my trials! When all has seemed helpless and hopeless, I have had great need to turn to God. He lovingly pulls me closer. God gives me moments to stop and consider, moments to remind me what is truly most important in my life.
How has it been for you? Have difficulties caused you also to look upward, toward the everlasting?
Let us help each other on this journey! My friend, let us carry each other, in love and in prayer! May God help us to shield and shelter our own little candles, and help us shield and shelter one another’s flickering flames.
Let us remind each other often where we are going. Our days, each and every one, have been given to us as gifts. God knows best. He wants to help us home.
Life is short. Heaven is forever.
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him (Ps. 28:7).
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