Greetings, in Jesus name.
Human history is littered with tales of great suffering. There has never been any known society or civilization that didn't have times of hardship. Collectively or individually we all go through storms that seem like they're never going to end. For some, it's from one trouble to another, almost having no space to breathe.
Is God aware of all these?
That is one question that we often ask.
Where is God?
But God is ever present, we just don't understand why He doesn't seem to show up when we need Him the most.. Well, God is not responsible for all that's going on with us. We suffer primarily because the world is in a fallen state under Satan's control. Human nature is another factor playing out on us. Relationships are constantly being plagued by conflicts resulting from self-centeredness. Even in our local churches, amongst fellow Christians, there's still crises here and there. This goes to fulfill the predictions of 2 Timothy 3:1:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…
These are critical times, and they're very difficult to deal with. The world seems to grow thick in darkness. No wonder our Lord Jesus said it emphatically that
...In the world you shall have tribulation…(John 16:33)
Jesus seems to be saying that troubles are inescapable. However, He also offered a word of comfort
..but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Without comfort, the vicissitudes of life can weigh you down, or even break you. David lamented in Psalm 69:20, he said:
Reproach has broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
It is in this situation that Satan's voice grows louder in our head. This is when his whispers play on our mind, echoing sounds that can drive you insane. He reminds you of all that you were that you are not, just so he could steal, kill or destroy your joy –your greatest source of strength. (Nehemiah 8:10, Isaiah 12:3).
Life's problems are joy killers. Satan capitalizes on that. It hits differently here in Africa. For instance, in Nigeria we've not had a palatable political economy for over seven years now due to successive poor governance. Life is hard, as the rising cost of living is becoming unbearable. Many households are in critical shape, barely surviving on a meal per day. Falling sick is one of the worst things that could happen to anyone in this present economic situation. People barely have food to eat not to talk of buying [now] expensive drugs for medication or being admitted at the hospital.
Church fellowship too is affected. Many people cannot attend regular fellowship again due to cost of transportation or even lack of money to give as an offering in church. The number of vehicles plying our roads has drastically reduced due to the high cost of petrol.
But in all these, the apostle, Paul says
we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Romans 8:37).
Yeah, this is our consolation— the LOVE of God.
We are sure that no matter what we go through we shall come out stronger because God is aware and has promised that
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. ForbI am the Lord thy God.. Isaiah 43:2-3a (KJV).
Be of good cheer!
source of photo 1
Photos 2 and 3 are mine. 3 is designed using PixelLab.
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