I talk a lot about not following Christ because we have to, because it's our duty. But instead following him because of a heart that is willing; that it's our joy to follow him. But I don't want you to get the idea that the Christian life is all butterflies and rainbows. It's hard. Life is hard enough as it is, but followers of Christ can be assured of even more hardship—so much so that we're not to be surprised when hardship comes (1 Peter 4:12).
What if that was all Peter said? "Life's tough, especially for believers. Good luck." That would be pretty depressing. Where's the joy in that? But wonderfully, mercifully, God through Peter gives hope to those who are weighed down by troubles.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your cares on him, because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7). We have a mighty God who cares for us! Not only is he strong enough to hold the world in his hand (Isaiah 40:12), he holds us in the palm of his hand too! (Isaiah 49:16). And he invites us to let him carry our worries (1 Peter 5:7).
What are you worried about? Right now you may feel the weight of all kinds of troubles: school work or maybe school bullies; a family member's health or maybe your own health; your relationships with friends or maybe your relationship with God. We worry about so many things. And we give them to God, only to take them right back.
At some point you must humble yourself and recognize that you can't carry the weight of your own troubles. But God can. And he's offered to do that for you. Not just for you to get a short break and then take them back, but for him to carry them permanently. Will you trust in his strength and his care for you, and cast your cares on him?
No comments:
Post a Comment