When we find ourselves in times of great challenge, we have two choices. We either let God into the situation, or we do it all in our own strength. Consider these examples as a reminder of how when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting in His kindness and faithfulness to deliver us from despair, we will always find hope in Him.
- When they saw no access to Jesus in the house in which He was preaching, the four men climbed the roof, opened it up and lowered the paralytic man. Mark 2:5 says, “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you””.
- Seeing Jesus walking towards the boat in the middle of the sea, the disciples were scared thinking He was a ghost. But Jesus assured them that it was Him. Peter, exercising his faith, was bold to walk on water towards Jesus. But when his focus was on the power of the wind instead, he became fearful, and started sinking. “… he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt me?”” (Matthew 14:30-31).
- The Canaanite woman showed humility and faith in Jesus, and He granted her desire – the healing of her daughter. (Matthew 15:22-28).
- Then there was Paul, a Pharisee, and a devout follower of the Jewish law. He was on a mission to persecute Christians wherever they were found. But, when Jesus met with him on the road to Damascus, he was transformed and became a true follower of Christ. (Acts 9:1-19).
Faith and utter dependence in God will produce good fruit in our lives. Conversely, our reliance on our own understanding and might, is elevating ourselves before God, resulting in us bearing fruit that’s void of God’s power and life. (Matthew 17:17-20).
Let us focus our eyes on Jesus despite the economic challenges, sickness, death, and difficulties that are going around us. Let us not cease praying for those who do not yet know Jesus, that they may come to confess Him as their Lord and Saviour.
Let us pray for the Church leaders that they may be strengthened and be filled with the Holy Ghost to lead the people to heal the sick, raise the dead, and gather in the marginalised and the poor so they may be fed and be given warmth.
Finally, let us pray without ceasing for each other so we don’t lose hope in tough times, interceding therefore for God to intervene and to show Himself to us in times of trials and challenges.
He is the answer. He is all powerful, and He is mighty to save.
In His mighty name,
Frank Po Ching