We All Need God

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Struggling with afflictions for many years has caused me to wonder if difficulties make it easier or more difficult to believe in God. I am arriving at the idea that it does neither. At first, even unbelievers might be moved to pray, asking God to remove their afflictions. Yet without relief from their affliction quickly arriving, I think it is just as easy for them to blame God for unanswered prayer or begin “railing at the heavens” for their ill luck.

 

Yet faith and belief in Jesus can drive a believer closer to the God of Heaven through affliction. If we develop a habit of digging deeper into God the harder affliction befalls us, then nothing is impossible for the man or woman of God to endure through Christ. How else are we to explain martyrs like Stephen in the Book of Acts who was stoned to death while reflecting the light of Christ through his final moments? How do we explain untold numbers of believers throughout history who have died for their testimony about Jesus and God’s faithfulness?

Faith does not always free us of our afflictions, but it can carry us through them to the Lord who has empathy for us. For He has Himself suffered very much on this earth.

Whether healthy or ill, in good fortune or great need, you need God. And He is not an excuse for your misfortunes nor to blame in your suffering. 

We need Jesus. Everyone needs Jesus. Circumstances have nothing to do with it. Only a willing heart is necessary to believe in God whether young or old, infirm or in blessed health. You need God. We all do.

Prayer: Dear Lord, how we all need You. Through good times and bad, in sickness in health, from here to eternity. Amen.