Steadfastness in the Lord (By Gabriel Hanna)

Steadfastness in the Lord

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: “For your sake, we face death all day long;  we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  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 8:35-39).

I am amazed at how many people turn away from the Lord.  How can I turn away from the Lord? Peter said, “Where shall we go? You have the words of life.” What is the thing or reason that makes a person, with clear statements, deny God and declare his atheism? Someone may say that the complexities and problems of life are the reason, but the Lord did not promise us an easy life, but He promised to be with us. Through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, we see the person of the Lord Jesus as close to all who seek him, compassionate and merciful, and of course better than any human we have dealt with. The Lord’s offerings and sacrifices for us are enough for us to choose Him as a valuable gift in our lives. Why do I reject the Lord? Who am I to be arrogant and what skill or ability do I have to stand before the truth? Let’s be real. Can I save myself or have any redemption done for me? We need to humble ourselves and seek the truth, the spirit of truth, the comforter and guide, the Holy Spirit. Yes, some stumbles and challenges may harm us, but we can see the light and the lesson learned that strengthens us  in the Lord. The complexities of life, the pain we go through, guide our spirit, and bring us closer to God. They pave the way for the growth and development of our personal and spiritual growth. We understand things in a better and more steady way. Here is the challenge in making the decision, either to turn away from God or to draw closer and closer to Him, as happened with the righteous Job. The apostles and disciples suffered greatly, as the Apostle Paul declares the distress that befell the pious of the Lord to the point that they despaired of life.

Firm in the promises of the Lord on a good, solid foundation. Despite adversity and hardship, despite riches, comfort, and ease of life, I do not deviate, but I cling to God. If my life is easy, I thank God, help others, work in the Lord’s field, and serve in the Kingdom. If my life is difficult, I cling to God my Savior.