Not Your Fault

Luke 13: There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. ² And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? ³ I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.⁴ Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? ⁵ I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

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“Why me?” was my question many times when it came to a painful situation. I mean, why do “bad” things happen to “good” people? I questioned. As I faced, what I thought< was yet another difficult situation, I was in a panic with nowhere to turn. “I wonder if I should turn to sin for a little relief of the pressure” I said to myself.

• Life can be difficult at times.
• Life can dish out some very tough situations.
• Life can be very scary and make me want to do anything for a little relief from the problems.

Some people came to JESUS in a panic over those in charge of the government. They told HIM about the murders that were happening by the decree of the reigning leaders. They sounded like they had nowhere to turn. BUT JESUS replied with some strange words that would make them whole.

• JESUS wants me to face difficult situations with HIS power, not mine.
• JESUS wants me to rely on HIS timing especially when I am panicked.
• JESUS wants me to know HIS way is still better than the world’s way.

Turning to sin only makes my situation worse. When I lose my faith in GOD and I panic, the world sees my defeat and rejoices. BUT GOD picks me up and protects me anyway. HE wants me to succeed and says “I have you in MY hand. No one can pluck you out.”

GOD wants me to look forward instead of trying to figure out which sin caused the consequence I feel I go through at times. HE wants me to stop trying to be the captain of my destiny and allow HIM to guide me through places only HE can take me through. Life can still be difficult but I place my faith in HIM.

• Where are you turning?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Will you allow your current situation to defeat you or will you allow GOD to defeat your situation so you can praise HIM?

Not What it Seems

Luke 6: ²⁰ Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
²² Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
²³ Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

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Phone call after phone call, the creditors relentlessly pressed me for my debts. Also, some of my peers were beginning to slander me. On top of that, the door that the insurance paid for on my car was rusting. When I tried to roll the window down, it fell into the door. And to top it all off, I stepped in some poop. “What else?” I screamed!

• There were times when I felt like I was drowning.
• There were times when life seemed to come at me too fast.
• There were times when I felt like giving up.

JESUS looked at HIS disciples and could see their hearts. HE knew just what to say at the right time. HE let them know that things are not what they may seem.

• GOD says to me when you are poor or in debt, I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are hungry, hurt or crying I AM still with you.
• GOD says to me when you are slandered and thrown out because you follow ME, I AM with you.

Following GOD means problems. When GOD threw the devil to the earth from heaven, HE allowed him to keep the ability to tempt, confuse and hurt humans for a short period of time. As confusing as that may seem, it shows me HIS love for even the devil.

This adversary tries to devour me daily. BUT GOD fills me up with HIS power. HE tells me that life is not what it may seem. HE says, “Just keep going and you will receive the MY kingdom, you will be filled, you will laugh and you will receive a great reward in heaven.” This fills me with hope.

• Are you facing issues?
• Does it seem like problem after problem?
• Can you allow GOD to fill you up with HIS wonderful words of hope and turn to HIM today?