The Solution to Hard Times
This natural world is experiencing some difficult trials in these days. The world economy is struggling. Major world conflict is threatening in the Middle East. Diseases are destroying entire continents. There would be plenty to be discouraged about if we didn’t have the solutions to these problems already.
Remember back to your school days. Think of how many tests and quizzes you were required to pass. Think of how much stress they caused you as a young person as you studied. But what if you would have had the answers to those tests beforehand? Do you think that would have reduced your anxiety level? Of course it would. Now think about all the struggles that come against us in this life. Wouldn’t it help if you had the answers and outcomes beforehand? That’s exactly what the Word of God is to us. God knew that the world and demonic forces would test us in life. So what did God do? He gave us all the answers ahead of time!
2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “While we do not look at the things which are seen but at the things which are not seen: for the things that are seen are temporary but the things that are not seen are eternal.” This verse is trying to teach us that we do not have to live under the authority of the seen world. We can and should be living under the authority of the unseen realm where God lives. The unseen realm rules over the seen world!
Remember: We are not to be enslaved to this seen world. That means we do not have to be subject to worry and fear concerning wars, disasters, diseases, and the economy. God said He would meet all my needs! (Phil 4:19) He said He would protect me from diseases and evil happenings! (Psalm 91:9-12) That’s what God said He would do for me when I dwell with Him. Now I have the responsibility to be saying the same things as God! This world should not scare us; we already have the answers!
Jesus said in Mark 11:22-23, “Have the God kind of faith. For truly I say to you that whosoever shall say to this mountain be removed and be cast into the sea and shall NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART BUT SHALL BELIEVE that those things which He says shall come to pass; HE SHALL HAVE WHATEVER HE SAYS.” Jesus is teaching us that our faith based on the Word of God which is spoken out of our mouths has the power to change the natural world. Your faith can cause this natural realm to yield and give way to the promises of God! Notice that faith MUST BE SPOKEN.
By declaring God’s Word in the face of circumstances, I am choosing not to participate in this world’s dilemmas. No sense in being broke, sick, and depressed. After all, as one minister said, I have a quarter in my pocket plus all the promises of God.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
