Saturday, February 29, 2020

The Scriptures Brings Assurance

One thing that is certain as we pursue our earthly journey in this ever-changing world is securing an assurance anchored in God’s Word. Why? Just look around and observe what’s happening in the world right now. There’s much uncertainty in every sector of our society. We are experiencing a pandemic affecting many nations of the world. Panic is setting in and fear is gripping many hearts as the days pass by. How do we oppose such negative emotions when we are bombarded with news of uncertainty? 
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Allow me to provide specific things for daily reflection. First, God’s word never fails in fulfilling its intended purpose: So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Next, God’s word is reinforced by the power of God’s Spirit: Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). Lastly, God’s word assured us of eternal life when we put our faith in Jesus: 

The promise of eternal life when we hear His words: Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life (John 5:24).

The Scriptures are filled with illustrations of God’s Word and its assurance to those who believe. 
·      King Jehoshaphat received victory after following God’s Word: “And he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s (2 Chronicles 20:15). 
·      The Roman Centurion took Jesus at His words: But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. And to the centurion, Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment (Matthew 8:8, 13).
·      The apostle Paul received strength from God’s assurance: But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

How can these examples apply to our time? They are individuals just like us. Although they lived in a different time, their concerns are very similar to ours. Whether our issues are big or small, they show our response leaning towards fear or towards God. You have a choice to make when confronted by an issue larger than us. I implore you to seek God’s Word and find assurance there. If these Biblical examples showed the capability of God in answering their concerns, God is able and willing to provide what you need today.

When you see and read the headlines of today, it seems that everything is downhill. Yet when you choose to trust God, things around you may not change, but I guarantee that you will change. Where do you start? I recommend reading the book of Mark, the shortest of the four Gospels, to discover Jesus. The greatest headline begins in you when you discover God’s assurance through His Son, Jesus. God loves you and He’s waiting for you to seek Him with all your heart and soul. Only in God, we will find the assurance we are looking for in this life and the next. Would you consider His promise to you: Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:12-13, Berean Study Bible).

Let’s talk again!