People today look for many ways or methods to get things done but are reluctant to come back to God and follow his plan.
It is clear that in this age, every Christian hears many sermons but few believers put in effort to seek God. We share more connections with others and ask them for help but seek help from God less. A man in distress expects more empathy from other people but puts less hope in God.
However, Jesus claims, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."(John 14:6) I believe deeply that God uses His servants to help us and He wants us to think and plan, but He hopes we pray and seek His plan first.
It is necessary that we have first-hand experience and knowledge of God's word. The ever-lasting and effective help everyone wants is from God.
The secret to being blessed starts with crying to God. The Bible tells the story of Hannah: In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. She made a vow, saying, "Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head" (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Although Hannah was well treated by her husband and had a good environment, only she knew her bitterness. But she chose to cry to God and later her son Samuel became a judge of the house of Israel.
However, we always choose to share our anguish with other people, and are often wounded and misunderstood by their responses.
The wife of a family in my church was in great pain because her husband suffered from a serious disease, so she wanted to relieve the pressure through communication with church members. But every member told her that the disease resulted from a sin and God never made a mistake. Then the family started to focus on God every day and walked through the crisis by depending on God. Afterwards, they didn't share their difficulties with other Christians anymore because they knew that there is no way out unless they return to God.
The only help is from God. "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes."(Psalm 118:8-9) God performs miracles in our lives when we absolutely rely on Him.
The book of Daniel records the story of Daniel's three friends: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said to the king, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:16-18).
The great danger ahead didn't shake their faith in God's word. God respects those who fear him. He is with men in despair and grants honor to them.
Christians have to face temptations in the workplace and conflicts between truth and the world. Some adhere to truth, whereas some compromise.
Some time ago a brother shared his experience. As an accountant in his company he was invited to drink at a dinner party with his colleagues. Saying he was a Christian, he refused to drink. However, his boss really wanted him to drink, warning that his bonus would be cut and not having a drink would make him lose face. His colleagues also incited him to try, so he had to drink. A couple of days later, his boss transferred him out of the post as accountant, saying that one could not do accounting work well since he gave up his faith.
Many times we choose the world instead of God. Like the prodigal son, we set off for a distant place and leave our father's home, but the world gives us nothing except harm and hurt. God is still with us when we turn back to Him, even if we are embattled on all sides.
We will not be faint when we come close to Jesus because he says,"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."(Isaiah 40:31)
We will not fear when we come close to Jesus because he shouts, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
We will not feel worried when we come close to Jesus because he states, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."(Philippians 4:6)
I hope every believer goes back to God and walks on the road ahead with the supplies of His grace.
- Translated by Karen Luo
