Against All Odds

Against All Odds

Romans 8:11 (NIV):

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.

We need to keep in mind that the very same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now available to us (see 2 Corinthians 4:7, Luke 4:18 and 1 John 4:4). That power makes great things happen for those of us who feel that we have the odds stacked against us. So this means that those who grew up in a family that didn’t work well can be whole, because that’s what Jesus did for us at Calvary. Those of us who are in need of healing because of a devastating loss can release the pain to God, because He took our place on the cross. We who may be crippled by a destructive secret habit can realize the truth that you can be addicted to anything, and if you don’t take advantage of the freedom that Christ gives us, it will eventually destroy you from the inside out. Do you feel that your emotions are out of whack? Submerging your emotions will not make you more spiritual.

In the church, we have a tendency to relegate every problem that a person faces to two issues; the person’s problem is sin, and the solution is repentance (see John 9 and Philippians 4). It’s ok to admit how we feel as Christians. Look at it from Paul’s perspective. God will help you if you are honest with Him (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, Philippians 1:6 and Philippians 4:4).

So, what about us? We can refuse to deny the pain, the frustration or the heartache. God isn’t interested in what come out of your mouth if it doesn’t match up with your heart. Tell Him honestly how you do feel (see Isaiah 1:18 and James 1:5-6). Discuss your pain, disappointments or heartache with someone else you can trust, but don’t find someone in the same situation, because misery loves company. Finally, let go and let God be God in your life. Always look for the good in the midst of trouble. If we are honest with God in prayer, He will move us from the point of pain. Remember that the enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy you, but God has a plan and purpose for your life, and in order to walk in His perfect will, you must be set free from everything that would keep you from His purpose for you. May the Lord bless you!