Global Gospel Mission

Category: CHRISTIAN LIVING

  • Be courageous, face the problem

    Be courageous, face the problem

    “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day; I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16 )

    Esther stood firm, ready to face the king, determined to act even at the cost of her life because she knew her purpose. Though Goliath was formidable, David approached him with unwavering confidence and triumphed. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, spear, and shield; but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45).

    It’s time to awaken from your slumber; don’t let your struggles intimidate you. How could God’s glory shine if David had fled from the Philistine? You must confront your battles to honour the Lord. Regardless of the pain, challenges, or storms you face, place your confidence in Christ. You will surely overcome. The power of God within us is unmatched. “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

    By focusing on Christ, we can confidently tackle our challenges. God stands with us as a loving father who will never let us down. “Be strong and of a good courage; fear not, nor be afraid of them; for the LORD thy God, it is he that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Often, when faced with tough situations, we can feel hopeless, but God calls us to be courageous and have the utmost confidence and assurance that victory is ours. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, nor be thou dismayed; for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9). Courage is a divine command accompanied by a promise; embrace courage and confront your challenges. The problems you face today will soon be behind you.

  • Change your Attitude

    Change your Attitude

    “And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” (1Samuel 1:18)

    Peninnah provoked Hannah for a long time due to her childlessness. Out of frustration, Hannah goes to the temple to cry unto the Lord as and when she gets the opportunity. Hannah may have met some other people who consoled her and shared their stories with her, but she was going through the pain alone. Although Elkanah loved her more than Peninnah, she was unhappy.

    Sometimes, when we go through problems, we think that God has left us. We cry and complain unnecessarily, forgetting that our God is a God of promise. Eli did not cause Hannah’s miracle, but it can be related to her change of attitude.

    The woman did three things:
    1. She made a move (you have stayed at one place crying for long; it is time to move on)
    2. She ate (you have fasted for so long; it is time to eat)
    3. She wiped her tears (you have cried for so long, and it is time to wipe your tears)

    Though the problem may be challenging and seem tougher each day and night, God knows how to take us out. We are not featherless. We have a Father who can do everything for us according to His riches and glory.

  • Run the Race and endure to the End

    Run the Race and endure to the End

    “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

    A few days ago, while surfing online, I came across the story of John Stephen Akhwari, a Tanzanian athlete. He was a world-class distance runner in the 1960s and early 70s. Akhwari was competing in the Olympic Marathon in Mexico City. At approximately 19 km into the 42 km race, some runners were jostling, and he fell badly. He wounded his knee, and his shoulder also hit hard against the pavement. His leg was bleeding, and his knee was dislocated. The medical staff urged him to withdraw, but he continued running. It was a mix of walking and a slow, limping run at points. He finished last over an hour later after all the 57 competitors had completed the race. Even though most people had left the stadium, a cheer came from the small crowd when he crossed the finish line. Later, when he was interviewed, he said, “My country did not send me 5,000 miles just to start the race; they sent me to finish the race.” In Hebrews 12:1-3, the Bible says that we should run with patience the race before us, knowing that Christ is the author and finisher of our faith.

    We should not give up on the way. Instead, we should know we have been tasked to finish the race, not just start. Although Stephen might have prepared very well before the marathon and was declared fit for the race, something happened that made him unable to merge as the winner. But he set a standard by completing the race. We have been tasked with remaining faithful unto Christ to the end, no matter what may come our way. Though life is full of troubles and many occurrences, we should know that the race set before us is not for the feeble but for those who are determined to finish it. Though Stephen did not win the race, he fought a good fight and finished the race. He might have had what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith” in mind. Go ahead; there is no time to waste; the race is not yet over; keep moving until you finish. Amen.

     

    The Bible in one year: Job 23:1-27:23 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11 Psalm 41:1-13 Proverbs 22:5-6

    Prayer: I will steadfastly uphold my commitment to you, unwavering and resolute, no matter the difficulties or challenges that may arise on my journey. Regardless of the circumstances or trials I encounter, I am firmly convinced in my heart and soul that neither death nor life, nor any forces of this world, can ever sever the bond that we share. Our connection is profound and transcends all obstacles, standing strong against any adversity. Amen.

    MORE STUDY: Psalm 14:1 | Proverbs 13:20 |