Smooth Sailing
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Don't you wish that after you gave your life to Christ, it would be nothing but smooth sailing? I surely wish that were the case. After you turn from sin, and place your faith in Christ, from that point on, you would like your life to be smooth and easy.
Wouldn’t this be great? “You will never have any financial problems. You will never have any relationship problems. You will not experience any family problems. You will always love your kids. Your kids will always respect and love you. Your family will stay together like bees and honey. It's going to be wonderful. You will have a long, long life with a lot of money, money. You will always be a blessing to everyone! When you finally lie down and die, you will be ready because you lived a great life!”
Don't you wish this is how it will be? I would surely vote for that. God didn't ask you; and He didn't ask me how it should be. If that were the case, a lot of people would follow Christ in order to avoid problems and trouble. Remember what the Scripture tells us. From Jesus’ own mouth, we have this: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
You will have some problems. There will be times when your journey will take you through difficult seasons, and there will be some twists and turns you never thought you would experience. You need to understand that following Christ does not insulate you from sorrow. I wish it did, but it doesn't. This is part of your story, part of your life, and God wants to use your life completely. God desires that you use your joyous times and your complacent times to bring Him honor and glory.
Don't you wish that after you gave your life to Christ, it would be nothing but smooth sailing? I surely wish that were the case. After you turn from sin, and place your faith in Christ, from that point on, you would like your life to be smooth and easy.
Wouldn’t this be great? “You will never have any financial problems. You will never have any relationship problems. You will not experience any family problems. You will always love your kids. Your kids will always respect and love you. Your family will stay together like bees and honey. It's going to be wonderful. You will have a long, long life with a lot of money, money. You will always be a blessing to everyone! When you finally lie down and die, you will be ready because you lived a great life!”
Don't you wish this is how it will be? I would surely vote for that. God didn't ask you; and He didn't ask me how it should be. If that were the case, a lot of people would follow Christ in order to avoid problems and trouble. Remember what the Scripture tells us. From Jesus’ own mouth, we have this: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
You will have some problems. There will be times when your journey will take you through difficult seasons, and there will be some twists and turns you never thought you would experience. You need to understand that following Christ does not insulate you from sorrow. I wish it did, but it doesn't. This is part of your story, part of your life, and God wants to use your life completely. God desires that you use your joyous times and your complacent times to bring Him honor and glory.
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2 Comments
I certainly needed to receive this message today!
Thank you for your ministry.
I love these daily devotionals.
Christ must have me go through tough times all the time to teach me to trust Him in all situations. I pray I learn this soon