Keys to Victory – Faith and Obedience

Both young and old alike have one common complaint – Life is full of trials and suffering. Life situations happen alike to the righteous and unrighteous. “Not fair, we are the children of God, the Chosen Ones.”, they cry out. “Why must we face life trials like the wicked?”, they ask. I do not claim to have much great wisdom to answer these profound queries. But there is one very interesting and deeply satisfying answer I found in the book of Judges. Allow me to share it with you, my friend.

The Living Bible puts it this way: “For God wanted to give opportunity to the youth of Israel to exercise faith and obedience in conquering their enemies.” – Judges 3 :4

The unconquered nations that surrounded them were to be a test for the new generation of Israelites to learn the basics of warfare. I know you are not too keen on ancient history. What has this to do with me, right? So lets dig for relevant hidden truths.

Our enemies are sickness, marital discord, disobedient children, rejection, unforgiving friends and relatives, poverty, confusions, etc. The list is endless. Jesus expects us to conquer these enemies of ours and place them under our feet. To do so, we have to exercise faith and obedience. I am sure you have now got the point. So let us stop wringing our hands in despair. Do not decide to throw in the towel. Instead, determine to start exercising your faith and be obedient to God’s commands. The God of Israel will surely help you conquer your enemies and lead you into victory. Let us turn every negative life situation into a positive one through faith and obedience to our Lord Jesus.

Related links: https://travancoreann.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/more-than-crumbs/

                            http://eterniaf6.wordpress.com/2010/03/06/watch-out-its-a-trap/

The Caterpillar Flies!

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21).

The Book of Job is the story of a wealthy and successful community leader named Job. He was a successful and righteous businessman with huge holdings of livestock and real estate.

One day Satan came before God and asked him, “Where have you come from?” Satan replied, “From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it.” God said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Notice that God pointed Job out to Satan! God gave Satan permission to put Job through a trial of adversity. Job’s herds were stolen, his servants were murdered, and all of Job’s children were killed by a sudden tornado.

Through his trial of adversity, he grows in strength, wisdom and faith. His entire perspective on God is transformed by his suffering. He was even accused of sin by his closest friends. We must get beyond the immature notion that God is interested only in making us healthy, wealthy and happy. More than anything, He wants us to be like Christ. And the road to becoming like Christ often leads through the wilderness of adversity.

Hand that leads you out of the pain is a pierced one

Suffering from a broken heart? Thinking no one, not even Jesus, could possibly comprehend the anguish and pain you are facing? Take a moment to read this and think again.

You’ve probably seen the classic portrait of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, kneeling beside a big rock clad in an elegant white robe, hands peacefully folded in prayer. A look of serenity seem to emanate from his face while a spotlight from heaven illuminates his golden-brown hair. Read more