In times like this — when all things is going wayward to oblivion, when there’s no place to run, and nobody to call for help — then it is the time to be with GOD and His Word.
AVV 211
When your love one is in a country of war, in a nation devastated by natural calamities; When there is no assurance of safety and security even in the comforts of your home; When life becomes so miserable because problems arise on top of another problem everyday, then you are already in an atmosphere of desperation and for sure, you will try everything to have at least a moment to break away from all of these. But this kind of solution is proven wrong and temporary. The only way are the Words straight from the Book of Truth.
DAY 0NE: GOD KNOWS YOUR HEART:
1 SAMUEL 16:7
The Lord does not see as man sees; for man look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Politicians and guilty individuals charged with scandals and corruption usually respond with “I have no recollection of those events” during investigations, a strategy called plausible deniability. This is when individuals create personal safety net to convince others that they have no knowledge of whatsoever charged against them. Worst of all is when they let someone else take the blame and become scapegoat for their own wrongdoing.
Yes, they may successfully fool the judicial system, the legislative body of the land, the executive branch of the government, and the offended party which is the public. They can even get away with the crime and send to prison the people with less involvement in the crime.
But never forget that God knows our heart, our intentions, our motives, and the truth. So what’s the bearing of this when someone can get away scot-free from the crime, get the loot, and live lavishly with all the comforts money can give? Actually, they gain nothing for they will never achieve fulfillment and satisfaction. Evidence that they are not happy is their discontentment from their achieved wealth and power. They are hungry for more even though they already have everything. Why? It is because peace of mind and soul are only for those who live with a pure heart and those who live in truth.
For us ordinary people, whose prayer was never answered, try to check our heart for a hint of selfishness for it serves as a blockade between you and God. Always pray for the safety of all people concerned when you pray for your own safety. A key secret of Manny Pacquiao’s success is praying before the start of the boxing match not only for his safety, he also prays that his opponent will not be hurt during the bout. It just shows that when you care, God will care; And that when you are selfish, you are all alone by yourself. Pray with the purity of intention and forgo of the ulterior motives inside your heart for God knows and sees everything.
DAY TWO : OBEY THE CALL
MARK 1:16-20
When Jesus called His first disciples they immediately left their work, their family, and friends to follow Him.
Many are called but few have come. Many are believers but few have faith. Many of those who called for help were answered but when heaven calls, they are not prepared to obey. This is a common incident that most of us encounter. And before we realize it, it is already too late to rectify the mistake of not responding at once.
Successful people obey certain rules and simple regulations in life. They believe it is God’s calling, so they are motivated to accomplish things that are impossible to others but easy for those who are obedient. Follow the simple rules of living life on earth and things will be different.
Heaven’s way of calling may come in different colors, symbols, and disguises called trials and problems. But these are the things that make man different from the boys. All the things that will come to our life are calling from the heaven. It is for us to obey immediately and respond positively or else be weary, surrender, and fail.
DAY THREE : FEEL NO FEAR
1 PETER 3:14-15
Do not be afraid of their threats nor be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks for a reason for your hope.
If confronted by big problems, desperate solution is needed. And you will be in the other side of the fence doing different things that were never done before. It is like doing a David’s work against a mighty Goliath. But history told us that David defeated Goliath with a simple tool and became king of Israel. In EDSA 1986, ordinary Filipinos faced the tanks and guns of then President Marcos armies with flowers, rosaries, and prayers and with that, he was deposed and the Philippines regained its democracy.
Egypt’s once mighty ruler was removed and forced to leave by the demonstrators. Libya, Yemen, and Bahrain are in the same process now — mighty rulers against courageous people who do not fear those who oppressed them.
Whether it’s Christ or Allah, it is still the same; the belief in God Almighty brings courage to one’s tame and weak heart. And when the wisdom of God enters the heart, he/she can achieve what is next to impossible.
For an ordinary man with an ordinary life, a big problem is a mighty nemesis; a solution is far from reach because he is used to living under the shadow of fear and cowardice. He is weak because there is no God in his heart. God commanded us to stand strong and hopeful if you believe in Him. Nothing is impossible and everything is to be conquered. Fear no one if God is with you.