Theme: ANXIETY
Text: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Comment: Anxiety, worry and tension are some of the most destructive forces we can face. They sap our strength and slowly undermine our faith, keeping us from maturing in the Lord (Luke 8:14) Because we dwell in a world of sin and are marching towards perfection, God allows certain level of difficulties to meet us as trials of our faith and as a means of purging us from the grip of sin. Job the prophet had his tribulations and declared, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” (Job 23:10,11) St. Peter says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” -1 Peter 1:7.
It is because of the ennobling power of trials that Apostle Paul states: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts…” (Romans 5:3-5) And our Saviour says, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:12, 13.