Knowing Jesus (Part 2)

Jesus says that in this life we will have much tribulation. This is the case no matter who you are or how long you’ve been a Christian. So we shouldn’t be surprised when trials and suffering come our way; in fact, the Bible tells us that we should expect them because God will use them to mould us into the likeness of Christ.

Psalm 107 shows us that God is our Redeemer — that He is ready and able to rescue, restore and set us free from all our troubles if we humbly cry out to Him.

When we face situations in life that seem impossible and we cannot see how things will turn out, we can trust in a God who is able to deliver and rescue us. We cannot afford to lose faith in that truth, but must hold on and believe that God is able. And if we feel far from God or in a place we shouldn't be, we have a God who wants to restore us. Those who call out to God will find Him. It isn't a belief in ourselves, but rather in what God is able to do for us.

When we face the tension between obeying God and respecting governing authorities, Jesus shows us that the two are not necessarily in conflict. But if what we are being asked to do goes against God's Word and could cause us to sin, we need to avoid it and be prepared to make a stand. When the situation is unclear, we need to wrestle it through with God and seek His guidance, making sure that Jesus remains Lord over every area of our lives and that we continue to be faithful to His Word.

As believers, we demonstrate our genuine faith by how we live, not just what we say. Although Daniel's name and circumstances changed, his heart and commitment to God did not. He remained faithful and stood firm despite pressure to conform, because his faith meant more to him than anything else. We must put God’s truth above our own opinions, love Him above ourselves and live selflessly. We are to be careful to guard against pride and thinking we are wiser than what we really are, and rather walk humbly with God and allow our lives to genuinely reflect the faith we profess.