Because He Lives

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

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This verse is my best friend's favourite. As I sit to write this post, amid all the chaos of the world. All the fear, all the panic, and all the uncertainty, I am drawn to the truths in this verse.

Firstly, trust. As you will be aware by now, I like to have control and am very independent. This means that trust isn't always my 'defacto' setting. But in these uncertain times I am reminded of the need to trust in Him.

Secondly, instead of leaning on my knowledge and understanding, I need to lean into Him to allow Him to work through me. At the right time, we will all have the answers we need. It may be tomorrow or it may be when we get to heaven. A truth that can be hard to accept.

This verse gets me thinking and I turn to Hebrews.

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 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

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Over the past few days, this verse will have taken a whole new meaning for many people who have lost money in the stock markets. But you see, it has given us a whole new perspective. Suddenly, money isn't the answer. No matter how much money you have, you are not immune from coronavirus. This verse is about more than just love of money, you see the second part of the verse says 'be content'. How can we be content in such uncertainty, panic and worry? But then God tells us never will He leave or forsake us. It might be hard to comprehend that at the moment, with the pain inflicted from ill loved-ones and financial troubles but you see, I believe that God is, was and always will be a God of love. Full stop. No ifs, no buts. His base-rate is love. Everything else is secondary. In the Bible, we see many times of people who live in abundance and people who live in poverty. Needless to say that generally these are the same people who experience both. If we strip away all that is a distraction, what are we left with? Love. In these times, it is important to regain and keep focus.

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Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

John 15:4 (NIV)

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In John, we read of Jesus' unending love for us. Keep faith in Him. He keeps faith in you. In the good times and the hard times - remain in Him. As we all move to isolation keep these next words in the front of your mind. You can't do everything by yourself, rather keep the faith, remain in the vine and you will produce fruit. In this time of isolation don't become disconnected with God. Now is the time that you can deepen your faith, explore His life and who knows what you might learn? Also, keep connected with those around you - bear fruit. Do what you can to be a flame for Him.

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And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

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Why? Because these remain - faith, hope and love. He died on a cross so that you might live. He rose on that third day so that you can live. Because He lives, we can and will get through this together, banishing fear, trusting Him - living a life worthy. So, take that life with both hands and run with it. Trust. Keep Focused. Stay Connected. Love.

Even in these uncertain times, if you do these things, I am sure He will bless you immeasurably.

As always, please stay safe and take all the precautions necessary to protect yourself but don't let the chaos around you blow you off course, instead remain anchored in Him.

Dear Lord,

We continue to find ourselves in uncertain times,

I pray that you provide peace in the chaos,

hope in despair,

faith through the doubt,

and love in hate.

These next weeks and months are going to be tough

but I just ask that you will place your protective arms around all believers

as many struggle to see you through this mess.

Thank you for your provision, in the past and now.

Thank you for loving us.

Please help us through this difficult time.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow Because He lives, all fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living, just because He lives