Not giving in to despair
For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:5-8
When you are going through times of trials, it is easy to become discouraged and if such feeling is not addressed immediately, it could lead to despair. Once you become despondent, you will find it difficult to exercise faith. You begin to think that Christ might have forsaken you. In order for this lack of faith in God will not emerge, place your trust in Christ and remember how you have proven that He is faithful. Don’t forget that our Lord Jesus Christ wants to develop and build a strong relationship with us. This means that even in times of trials, He will remain faithful. This is what He promised from the text; “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5). The truth of His promise should provide the foundation of having an unwavering faith. His desire is to establish a strong spiritual connection characterized by intimacy and permanence. God’s actions and presence will not be based on what you feel. He wants you to be dependent upon Him for you can always count on Him. His assurance is that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (v. 8). If you are entertaining the thought that the Lord has suddenly abandoned you when difficulties come, then your faith foundation is not well-established. And if this mindset will continue to linger on, future dependence to His Word will continue to erode. The fact is it is not God who is changing but us. We are the ones who are wavering because we think that we do not deserve to be in the circumstance that God brought upon our lives. We have convinced ourselves that since we are the children of God, He will shield us so we will not be in the deep end of circumstances. “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). Our Lord Jesus Christ does not change. He is ever-present and will provide wisdom so you will understand that He is working in and through our circumstances His will. Hold on to God’s promise that He is steadfast and faithful. “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18).
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
Latest sermon upload at YouTube channel: WestsideBCLA
