COPING WITH LIFE’S CHANGES

Read: JOHN 11: 1-22

Meditation verse:“Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21)

Nature abhors vacuum, for life is a lively process of becoming. Change is therefore one thing you should expect. Current positions can change suddenly. Ailments can crop up unexpectedly. Finances can take a downward turn. The untimely death of a loved one is one of the deadliest blows that life can throw at you anytime, and this can alter your life in more ways than one. The pain can be extreme. It can cause you to withdraw into a shell, lash out at others and apportion blames. You may even begin to question God’s existence or His love for you. Mary and Martha were overwhelmed with grief as they struggled to deal with the demise of their beloved brother. How could Jesus not show up on time? It was a known fact that Jesus loved Lazarus. All three siblings were close to Jesus, they had hosted Him in their home. How could He let their brother die?

Are you grieving today due to a painful loss? Are you wondering if God really cares? God is not responsible for your loss, the enemy is, we live in a fallen world where we are up against Satan and his cohorts. God may have allowed it for a purpose as He did in Lazarus’ case. He sees your pain now and He is full of compassion for you. Your time of grief will not go on forever. Your harvest of rejoicing is coming. God is able to give you beauty for ashes. He is an expert at bringing good out of evil.

In times of pain, we are often counselled to surround ourselves with friends and family, but it is also important that you spend time alone to deal with your pain. Jesus grieved in the presence of others when Lazarus died, but when John the Baptist was killed, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place to grieve (Matt 14:13). Solitude enables you to lift your eyes to the Great comforter and hear His still small voice. In that solitary place, your ‘why’ questions are answered, and the answers become steppingstones to your restoration and renewal. Surely, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour?

Jesus says in Mathew 11:28; “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, this invitation is for you. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart; all you need to do is invite Him in, by believing and receiving Him.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can say right now:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of grace. I believe that Jesus died to set me free from my sins. Thank You Jesus for dying to save me. Please forgive me for all my sins and come into my heart. Be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and enable me to live for You from now onwards, in Jesus’ name, Amen

If you prayed this prayer, please email me at rockteachingministry@gmail.com and let me know about it. I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my eBook; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your journey with Jesus.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.