GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Romans 8:38-39

Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high: Hide me, O my Savior, hide, Till the storm of life is past; Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last. Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, oh, leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head With the shadow of Thy wing.

Introduction

Serving God is the willingness to do His will and it includes doing what He commands us to do. It is not enough that we believe Jesus is the Son of God, even, the devil himself does believe, we must do what God commands us to do. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." Service to God is about remaining focused; sticking and staying with God. It is at all seasons, at all times - 'through thick and thin', in good times and challenging times.

Apostle Paul resolved "that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

I remember a faithful Christian sister whose father is a Presbyterian Minister, who had an accident with other students on their way for evangelism (PSICE: Presbyterian Students in Church Evangelism). She survived with an amputated hand but till today, she still has her service to God in focus. This could have made her give up on God but no! she is serving God even in challenging times.

I love this song, 'Life in this world is a great struggle for both young ones and old.' Everyone struggles with their personal issues. In all that, who do we turn to? As Christians and those desiring to obey God's calling through Christ Jesus, we should keep our hope and trust in God in all circumstances.

God loves us and has great plans for us all. "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come to pray to me, and I will listen to you." (Jeremiah 29:11-12).

God knows it all and can do it all, it is all about His will for our lives. Therefore, never forget that when you are in challenging times, they are still for your own good and God's glory to show. "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalms 46:1) God's arms are always open to let us into His bosom and be our strength, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Brethren, the safest way to learn about serving God in these challenging times is to peruse His promises. He has promised and will never fail for His faithfulness is forever sure. Jesus is taping your shoulders right now saying, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

When the raging storm seems to overpower you, He says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Remember this benediction of God's promise, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10. Trial is not denial, challenging time for the Christian is not a cut-off point but a preparation for greater heights.

Our main text for today sums up our faithful service to God at all times. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)

Many Christians are falling off because we are making mistakes. Do not focus on only the blessings of other Christians, learn from their struggles, pains, and rejections to be equipped in times of challenges.

How do I stand for God in these challenging times?

1. Pray

In children's service, we sing this song, 'prayer is the key, prayer is the master key'. At the very point of a challenge, the words that come out of your mouth must be that of prayer. A prayer like; "Oh Lord my God, I don't know what my future is going to be like looking at these challenging times I'm facing now, but I trust You. I'm so scared right now, but I know that you will carry me and my family through it all. In Christ Jesus, I pray, Amen!

Beloved, trusting God in challenging times takes a faithful prayer to welcome God into our situation. God comes in to fulfill His promises. He is simply counting on our faith in Him. 

Note this, faith doesn't make things easy, it makes things possible. "For with God, nothing is impossible." (Luke 1:37) Therefore, our ability to serve God in challenging takes prayers. Pray, for He will not answer if you do not ask.

2. A growing Faith

A growing faith is the best to stand the test of time. Growing one's faith is a daily project that can be very simple if we allow it.

Certainly, the first step to growing your faith in Christ is to establish a lasting relationship with Him and trust Him at all times. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. 

Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem, Faith takes you through the problem. Faith doesn’t always take away the pain, Faith gives you the ability to handle the pain. Faith doesn’t always take you out of the storm, Faith calms you in the midst of the storm.

Again, build a relationship and fellowship with other Christians who understand God and His ways. Do refrain from the company of the worldly, because, "Bad company corrupts good character." (1Cor. 15:33)

Remember the words of Roosevelt, “If you lose faith, you lose all.”

3. Count your Blessings

Bringing consciousness to God's faithfulness to you will project you to His unfailing love even in times of challenges. Begin today to keep a daily journal of gratitude. With the list of things, you are thankful to God for, you are set to the atmosphere of God's grace when you feel down.

I recall a time when all odds were against me, my strength wane down, a hopeless future stared at me, and life became meaningless and a chasing after the wind for me, but Jesus looked at me and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26.

Whenever new challenges come my way, I count on the many blessings of God to build more confidence in Him that He will get me through.

Practically, one of the easiest ways to keep serving God in challenging times is to go to His Word and learn about His promises to be faithful to us at all times.

Always put God first and give Him the glory in every situation we may find ourselves in. Walking in His ways at all times makes our difficult circumstances easy for us.

“A grateful heart is the beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.” – James E Faust.

4. Let Go and Let God

It is deception to profess your faith and trust in God and still hold on to your struggle, problem, challenges, or trials with both hands. 

Serving God in times of difficulty is much easier when you have peace within. Precious one, parcel the problems nicely with a red ribbon tied to it and simply present it to Jesus. Let go of them as you "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1Pet. 5:7)

When you let go in the hands of God, relax and live the life He has given you to the fullest. Patiently wait on Him to carry you through safely. God's timing is not always in ours, just wait.

Hard times create strong people, therefore, trusting God in difficult times should be a way of life.

Conclusion

Let me conclude today's expose by saying, if you have faith, all things - good or bad, have meaning.

I asked God for strength, and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help. (anonymous)

My prayers were answered. I received nothing I asked for but I received everything I needed.

Serving God in these challenging times is the needful thing to do and not focusing on the easy path the world seeks to pave discourages us in our Christian faith. AMEN!

Shalom aleichem...