God's Grace

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
As we walk down life’s road we are bound to have problems. At those times it is hard to have faith in anything. We may even ask what good is faith when all seems to be lost. I am sure we all have asked that question at one time or another. We may have even asked God why you have let this happen. It is at those times we must know God has a purpose and everything happens for a reason.
It is at those very times when we need to turn to the Lord in prayer and seek His wisdom and His grace. I am reminded about the apostle Paul and all the problems he faced. He felt he had to destroy all that followed Jesus. Then he met Jesus and his life changed. At first glance we might think his life went from good to bad in an instant. He went from being one of the religious elite to a fugitive. After all he was blinded, led by the hand to a stranger’s house and told to wait instructions. From that point few there were who trusted him. Many there were who wanted to have nothing to do with him. Even the twelve were afraid of him. He had people who wanted to kill him. He was wanted by the authorities and was put in jail many times. Most of his ministry was spent in prison. He had entered the city on two good legs to leave the city he had to be lowered over the wall in a basket at night to avoid those who wanted his life. Yes you might say Paul had a bad day on the road to Damascus. But then you might want to take a look at God’s plan for him, God’s purpose for his life and the mission to tell others about Christ.
When you read what Paul wrote to the Philippian Church, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” you get a feeling how God was using all his problems so He could teach Paul how to help others. He prayed for God to heal his body and remove the thorn from his flesh three times. To keep him humble and effective God told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
When life’s troubles hit us like a tidal wave, we can remember the Lord’s compassion never fails and He will never leave us nor forsake us. The only way we can avoid problems is to not live, that is not an option. So when troubles come, and they will, we need to turn our eyes upon Jesus and hand Him our problems. Have faith He is right by our side and is very much in control. He sees all, knows all and can deal with anything we come across. Remember satan doesn’t fight his kids he is too busy pestering God’s kids.
“My sheep I know, they are My own, I leave them not in trial alone; I will be with them to the end---their hope, their joy, their dearest Friend.” ---Anonymous