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Devotional for the week – 19 October 2009 Scripture Title: Do Problems Disqualify Us? In the Christian community, much has been said about God’s blessings, victories and successes. As a result, many, believers or otherwise, would have concluded that Christians should be problem-free! In this light, however, how should Christians respond when they do encounter struggles in their lives? Should they keep mum about it since it is “embarrassing” for a Christian to be having problems? Let’s look at the lives of some key biblical leaders: The apostle Paul seemed like a condemned man. Many believers had abandoned the cause while Paul wrote the letter in 2 Timothy, except for Luke. Paul was in prison, chained like a criminal, facing execution. What had happened to the great signs and wonders that had been displayed in the early church? Timothy battled with a fearful spirit in this letter. Even Jesus appeared defeated in his difficult journey on earth. He faced rejection, ridicule and eventually death on the cross! Had all these men heard God wrongly? It all seemed wrong. They should have been ashamed of sharing the gospel in such difficult times. Do problems and suffering disqualify us? No! God came into this world deliberately in the midst of all the trials and problems to provide a way out: JESUS. Come to Know Jesus In spite of all the challenges Paul faced, he was undeterred. He came to trust the Lord Jesus in his difficult journey, saying: That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 Joseph Scriven, who lived from 1820 to 1886, had a troubled life. On the eve of his wedding, his bride drowned. His second fiancé died of tuberculosis. His mother was going through a crisis in Ireland. He could have given up in his faith, but he did not. Instead, out of his adversity, he composed the lyrics of a famous and inspirational hymn, What A Friend We Have In Jesus. We are not disqualified because of our problems and suffering. We know we are not alone in our troubles. God is on our side. God loves us enough to send His only son. There is healing and restoration in Jesus. Come to Trust in Jesus Our problems do disqualify us, but qualify us because of Jesus’ love and power. Jesus has the power to save us: But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…2 Timothy 1:8b-9 Jesus has destroyed death: …but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10 We thank God that we have in Jesus not only a wonderful Friend, but a Saviour who is mighty to save. What A Friend We Have In Jesus What a friend we have in Jesus, Have we trials and temptations? Are we weak and heavy laden? Prayer Response Father God, thank you for giving us a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. The knowledge and freedom we have in Jesus not only qualify us to be Your sons and daughters, but to empowers us to share Your wonderful promises with others. Make us Your ambassadors who are not ashamed of testifying about You and sharing Your gospel of hope and love to a hurting world. Amen. Devotional based on a sermon by Rev Lim Jen Huat
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