The first place you look or the last resort?
” In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” – 1 John 5:3-5
Do not lose HOPE! The world appears to be heading in a very self-destructive direction. The two commands that Jesus highlighted appear to be far from central thought: Loving God and loving your neighbor have fallen out of fashion. How can we look at our current circumstances and have hope? How do we overcome the undeniable wave of hurt, harm, pain, and suffering being inflicted on us and our neighbors?
“All we could do was pray”. I have heard these words way too many times. Do they sound like powerless words of last resort, ultimately of impending failure? What power can they possibly invoke when implemented in a seemingly faithless manner? What shall we do?
The same question was asked on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit of God was ultimately received by thousands of people that ultimately overcame world! “Repent and be baptized, believe in Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit” was Peter’s response. All the power of heaven broke into this world with signs, wonders, and miracles. Isn’t this what we need today?
Well, it is what we have always needed, but we only come looking in desparate times. That’s okay, God loves you and God has been waiting for your call. As the scripture says, those who believe in Jesus Christ overcome the world. In believing, we live out Jesus’ commandments and overcome the world. We choose faith and love as our first choice and place our hope in God. Love overcomes all things and is the pathway to healing and wholeness. Move to an attitude of faith first, with hope and healing today. Pray with world changing power, faith, and hope. We shall overcome the world, together.