Living With Purpose

    The two most common areas of struggle for us are work and relationships. We can all relate to these common everyday struggles. Job 5:7 speaks of this truth when it says, “People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire.” We struggle at times to make a living, because our jobs often present challenges to overcome. And sometimes our jobs don’t pay as much as we think we need. For some people, it can be hard to even find good work. Because of the sins committed in the Garden of Eden, God said, “The ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it” (Genesis 3:17).    We also tend to struggle in our relationships. Marriage, while it can be a great blessing, it’s not always easy. Parenting, though rewarding, can push us to the limit too. And being a good friend sometimes requires us to make great sacrifices.

    Even though life is difficult, God’s promises are enough to sustain us. 2 Peter 1:3-4 says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises”.

    So many times, people will fail to keep their promises causing hurt and disappointments. But God’s promises are always kept. Although we don’t always understand His ways and why He allows certain circumstances to affect us, we can be assured He will never let us down. As hard as life can be at times consider the following eight “P-R-O-M-I-S-E-S” we have from God:

    Peace of mind. Peace in today’s world is practically unknown. Greed, suspicion, lack of brotherly love, and hunger for power prevent us from experiencing real and lasting peace. God promises peace of mind and heart to those who trust Him. Proof: “You (God) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3).

    Rest from labor. We live in a restless age of much “busy-ness” and little leisure or “time to live”. There’s always more things we think we need to do. Jesus promised rest from the strain and worry of life if we will cast our cares on Him and wait patiently for Him. Proof: “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

    Opportunity for service. Our selfish interests too often deter us from walking through God’s door of opportunity to be “workers with Him”. When we take time to do God’s work, He has promised to supply the strength, courage, and opportunity. Proof: “I have opened a door in front of you, which no one can close” (Revelation 3:8).

    Mercy in need. Because we are human, we’re going to make blunders, even as Christians we will flounder many times. But God’s mercy is available to reinstate us. God promises grace to help in time of need. He forgives and cleanses us when we confess our sins and commit our lives to Christ. Proof: “Let us have confidence, then, and approach God’s throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us just when we need it” (Hebrews 4:16).

    Instructions for direction. It’s important to understand that God’s promises are of no avail to people who are set in their own ways and reject God’s instruction. Earnest Christians welcome God’s instruction, knowing His direction is always best. God has promised to lead; we need only to follow. Proof: “The Lord says, I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you” (Psalm 32:8).

    Strength in weakness. Our strength is finite, limited, and often fails, but God’s infinite power never fails. So why do we persist in depending on our own limitations. Little children become aware of their lack of strength because that’s why they depend on their parents. Our heavenly parent promises strength to His trusting children. Proof: “I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10).

    Escape in temptation. When Jesus himself was tempted in the wilderness, He used the Word of God to defeat Satan. We need to do the same. God promises victory in temptation to those who use His Word and pray. Proof: “God keeps His promises; when you are tested; He will provide you with a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

    Security for the future. Unbelievers will seek security in power, pleasure, and possessions, but it’s Christ alone who gives real and lasting security. One day for believers, there will be no more sin, sickness, suffering, or sorrow, for the former things will be passed away. Proof: Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you; I will come again and get you so that you will be where I am” (John 14:2-13)

    You can have confidence that no matter what life throws at you, God’s grace is enough to sustain you. Believe His promises. He is faithful.

• This bi-weekly column is written by Matthew Dobson. He’s a health educator for the state of Florida, U.S. Army Chaplain, and the Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in the New York Community. He recently published his 4th Volume in the “Living With Purpose” Book series which can be found and purchased on www. Amazon.com. You can contact him at: rmdobson@liberty.edu.