Take Heart

Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? But the time is coming – in fact, it is already here- when you will be scattered each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world. “John 16:31-33 (NLT)

This past week the Reading Eagle newspaper had various articles regarding the state of the economy and the citizens in the city, county, and country. I was shocked to learn that the city of Reading, Pennsylvania is ranked number 6 in the nation in cities of over 65,000 people and the percentage of those people living in poverty level. For Reading (in 2008), 34% of the population are living in poverty! They say that for this year they expect the percentage to be even greater because more people have lost their jobs in 2009.

When I visited the Lebanon Christian Ministries this past week to receive assistance, the counselors informed me that they are seeing more and more of the working class “poor” coming in for assistance every day! They mentioned there are many households who had two adults working and now just one due to company closures and cut backs. More people have lost their homes due to foreclosures; people cannot afford healthcare and mostly their incomes have not been able to keep up with the never ending cost of living.

I come in contact with people every day whether in person or reading bloggers who are struggling to make ends meet just like my family. I must admit that there are times I question God with the age old question – “Why Lord?” Then the Lord will remind me through His Word like in the above verse (John 16:31-33) that we will have troubles and sorrow in this world, but what is different for Christians through these difficult times is that Christ promises us His Peace. In spite of all the struggles, Christ will never abandon us. I love the last part of the verse where Jesus says, “Take heart because I have overcome the world.” The ultimate victory has already been won! Praise the Lord! We can claim the peace that passes all understanding in the most troubling of times. So if you have days like I did last week when you have a little “pity party” for yourself, “Take Heart”, rest in His Peace because Christ has already won our battles. Christ is the Victor! We are on the winning side! Praise the Lord!

Dear gracious heavenly Father, I humbly come to you and ask that you forgive my lack of faith during my struggles. May I always remember that You promise to never leave me, and that You have already won the battle! I thank you heavenly Father for the Peace You provide each of us when we lay our burden down at Your most capable feet. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

Beelieve You Can!

http://michele-risingabove.blogspot.com

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