Jesus then said, “I am the one who raises the dead to life! Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never really die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (CEV)
There is such Hope in these words. Live, not because of what I have achieved or even because of my failures, but live because of faith in Jesus. My life is not limited because of any earthly circumstance.
Each day is an opportunity. Every day is an opportunity to begin again. If yesterday was the pits (for whatever reason), today I can start again. I can turn in a new direction. I can view a problem or my present circumstances with a new perspective. I can even lay the burden down into the hands of my Savior. If the burden I carry is heavy and destructive, it is for God to carry because He said His burdens are light (Matthew 11:30). Am I wimp if I admit I can’t “do it,” and turn it over to God? I believe I am being a child of God who has learned how ridiculous it is to say, “I do it myself, Daddy” and instead allows my Father God to care for me.
Pain, suffering and death are defeated. There will be pain and suffering in this life. Those are characteristics of this world. Whether disease, mudslides, terrible random accidents and crimes, this world is a place where suffering permeates the lives of us all. Without the knowledge and faith in God’s promises, I would be overwhelmed and beaten down by the pain in so many lives. This does not mean that I understand the “why” of it all nor do I have a definitive answer as to God’s plan in all of it. What I do know is that God is here in all circumstances and He is faithful to hold and comfort me and carry me through every day.
Abundant life is a reality. I have often heard people quote John 10:10 as if it is some contract between them and Jesus to fulfill their every wish. God is not Santa Claus and Jesus is not the Genie in the lamp! An abundant life is one filled with God’s grace and mercy, freeing me from the prison of my sins and allowing me to joyfully follow Christ’s example to serve God’s children and magnify God so we may all know Him better.
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.“Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”
“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered.“This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9:1-3 (NLT)
Am I transparent so God’s power can be seen in me? Do I live honestly, admitting when I just do not know but trust God’s goodness and mercy in my life? When the winds and storms of this world blow, do I bow my head in prayer and allow the rain to roll off my back? Do I allow God’s children to surround me with prayer and the power of His love in them?
What do you believe? Have faith in Jesus Christ and LIVE an abundant life!
Above All written by Paul Baloche & sung by Michael W Smith
