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While people of the world turn to others or material things
in times of hardship, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo
(Church Of Christ) hold fast to God.
AS THE DAY of Judgment approaches, we will face various trials and problems in life. And so, as we, members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), journey through this world, we cannot avoid fighting for our faith in order to reach the end of our course—the attainment of salvation. Thus, we should not allow ourselves to be defeated by the troubles in this life. But how can we do so?
The Bible gives us an example of servants of God who passed through most severe problems and yet never gave up:
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (II Cor. 4:8–9 New King James Version)
This biblical passage refers to the members of the Church Of Christ in the first century led by the apostles. Take note that even in the midst of difficulties, they did not lose hope. Their faith never died down no matter how grave the persecutions they encountered. They were able to stand firm in spite of the intense problems they faced. This is because they held on to the power of God (II Cor. 4:7).
This is also what we should do especially in these trying times—cling on and depend on the power of God through Christ:
“… My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. …” (II Cor. 12:9 nkjv)
Indeed, God’s lovingkindness becomes more evident during difficult times, because by clinging to the power that He gives us through Christ, we can do everything for we learn “the secret of contentment in every situation” (Phil. 4:12–13 Living Bible).
By ourselves, we cannot overcome all troubles and obstacles that we may encounter along the way toward salvation. For us to courageously face the afflictions that we might meet, let us put our complete trust in God, for He is our defender and protector:
“… ‘You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust.’ He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you.” (Ps. 91:2–4 Good News Bible)
If we entrust ourselves in God and in His protection, He Himself promises that He will answer when we call to Him. God will not allow those who completely trust Him to be overcome by troubles, and no disaster shall fall upon them. Most importantly, He reserves for them the grace of salvation on the Day of Judgment (Ps. 91:9–10, 14–15).
However, it is not enough to merely hope for what God can do. We should prove our hope by keeping all His commands with all perseverance:
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Rev. 3:10–11 nkjv)
Those who patiently fulfill the will of God have the promise to be protected when times of trials come. Furthermore, our wholehearted obedience to all His commandments is the key to a good life, not only now but also for the time to come:
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?” (Deut. 10:12–13 New International Version 2011)
On the other hand, God will be angry at His servants who have lost their zeal and enthusiasm in serving Him (Rev. 3:15–17). Hence, it is wrong to think that they have more to lose if they obey the will of God. Instead, those who disobey or disregard the commandments of God are the ones who will be unfortunate because His curse will follow them.
Because God is all-powerful and He is the One Who created man, it is an indisputable fact that He alone knows what is good for us (Jer. 29:10–11 gnb). Also, God is just and He will not forget our toils and sufferings for the sake of serving Him:
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.” (Heb. 6:10–11 niv2011)
Hence, if we continue with our services to Him diligently until the end, we will receive the promised salvation. We should not turn away from God no matter what happens. In times of severe problems, what we should do instead is seek and approach Him all the more through our prayers because He is always ready to reward His faithful children.
Let us put our trust in God at all times, in all situations. While the people of this world cling to someone or to something they think would be of help to them when caught in a difficult situation, we, members of the Church Of Christ, on the other hand, hold fast to God. If God would protect us, no one and nothing can defeat or overcome us. Being all-powerful, He can solve even the most difficult problem that we may have. We should find our happiness and seek our future in God, for He alone can give them to us. ❑
