We live it daily. We are in it. It’s life. This week I had two friends lose their mothers. One of the mothers was also my friend so I lost a friend. Another amazing woman of God who led my table at Bible Study for a few years just found out she has aggressive cancer. Another friend will be out of a job in 2 weeks due to a layoff from financial issues and he worked at this church for almost 30 years. Life is hard.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. – Matthew 4:45b NIV
Just because we know Jesus, we aren’t immune to the hardships of life. We are, however, better equipped to handle it. Well, we aren’t but He is. We have all of His power, strength, might, patience, love and more at our fingertips. The Holy Spirit, who lives in the believers of Jesus Christ, is our guide. How else could we handle all that life throws at us?
I feel so sad when my friends who don’t know Jesus hit hard times. They don’t have the hope we have. They don’t have the help we have. They don’t have the same tools. There are tools the world offers that can help. Counselors, self-help tips, eating well, resting, and more. I use those tools as well. Yet ultimately, my peace comes from God.
Yesterday the sermon at church was on not being ashamed of the gospel. With so much pain and hurt in our lives and the lives of our friends, we can’t be ashamed of the gospel. We need it and our friends desperately need it. So tell someone about Jesus today. I am sure they need to hear it. Whether you are reminding them of their faith or teaching them something new about the God who loves them unconditionally, do it. A simple statement of “Jesus loves you more than I do” will help. Or pray with someone. Or hug them and whisper “you are loved beyond measure by God.” Give hope. Give truth. Give the good news. Jesus is alive and lives in those who believe. We all need this hope.
Dream Big! Pray Big!