Telling Others All Is Well When It Isn't

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." -  2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Living by faith and walking in the light does not just happen.  It requires commitment and discipline. This new life requires effort of the heart… to submit to the Lord requires us to lay down on the altar.  Working out our salvation is not self-effort .. trying harder to be “good” …. it’s submission. 

So many people are satisfied with working on having a good-Christian appearance and miss the joy and peace that comes from living in obedience to the will of God.  I know too many people that are struggling with life and refuse to trust God.  (perhaps you do too) If you ask them, they will tell you that “all is well”, but all is not well, they just want it to be in spite of their living in disobedience. And they don't want others to know that they are struggling, perhaps even with their faith.  

I have often said the time of the week when most lies are told is Sunday morning at church. We greet each other with a smile. When asked how we are we respond with "I'm fine" or "I am blessed" when really we are hurting. But to admit it seems, well .. unchristian. Oh yes, and the person who asked you  - really doesn't want to know if it is not good.  Am I being cynical? I don't think so. 

"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2

And what is the law of Christ? Matthew 22:37-39. Love God and Love Others. Getting close to hurting people can be like trying to hug a porcupine. A commandment is not a suggestion. We can only fulfill the law of Christ if we are living and walking by faith and believing that we can do all things through Christ who is our strength.

Desperation of circumstances can subvert your faith and divert your walk.  Unless you are willing to trust and obey.  I wish I could do that for others, but I can’t, I can only watch their struggle and hope they look to God for answers instead of trust in their own designs that have consistently failed them in the past.  And perhaps be an encouragement to them. So can you.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone