You can always trust Jesus.
You can trust Jesus when you are sick.
That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.
This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:16-17 (ESV)
And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.
Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 (NLT)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heb13:8 (NKJV)
You can trust Jesus when you are guilty.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 Jn 1:8-9 (ESV)
You can trust Jesus when you feel rejected.
However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. John 6:37 (NLT)
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. John 6:37 (NKJV)
You can trust Jesus when you don’t know if God accepts you.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.
He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
...for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth: 1 Tim 2:4 (TLB)
You can trust Jesus when you feel pressurised, tired and overwhelmed.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
You can trust Jesus when you feel empty and unsatisfied.
And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35 (NKJV)
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 (NKJV)
You can trust Jesus when you feel alone.
"But I will send you the Comforter—the Holy Spirit, the source of all truth.
He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about me. John 15:26 (TLB)
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT)
You can trust Jesus to speak to you.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow
Me. John 10:27 (NKJV)
You can trust Jesus when you are grieving over the loss of what was precious to you.
for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
You can trust Jesus to care for your children.
He will feed
His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His
arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV)
- You can trust Jesus when you are afraid to die.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.
Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. John 11:25-26 (NLT)
Is the story of your life interesting?
A church member once stood up and testified.
“Before I was saved, I was wicked, sinful and boring. I want to thank God I am not sinful any more.”
When you respond to the call of Jesus, God forgives all your sins and changes your character. God’s purpose is to make you like Jesus.
Most of us will never walk on water or die on a cross. But if you are like Jesus, the story of your life will never be boring. If your life is routine, ordinary and predictable, ask Jesus to show you what is missing, and he will answer.
Please don’t misunderstand me. Many people today demand constant entertainment. I am not suggesting every moment must be exciting. We also need to cultivate patience. But spiritual patience is not the passive acceptance of a mediocre life.
Are you actively pursuing a big dream for your life? Are you living an adventure story?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
The peace God gives is not a domestic tranquillity where nothing exciting happens. It is the peace of Jesus who slept through a terrible storm at sea because He trusted in His heavenly Father’s care.
The prophet Jeremiah was in prison when God spoke to him.
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)
Prison can be a place of dark suffering because you stand for God in spite of persecution. Prison can also be a life dominated by a grey routine.
God can deliver His children out of both kinds of prison.
"The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; Luke 4:18 (NKJV)
Even if you are trapped in domestic slavery with no means of escape, God can give you adventures in the Spirit.
Acts 2:17-18 (NKJV)
'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
- Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
- Your young men shall see visions,
- Your old men shall dream dreams.
- And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
- And they shall prophesy.
God created you with a purpose. When you repent and believe, you are forgiven. But the plans of God do not stop there.
Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Romans 8:30 (NKJV)
God has a plan and a destiny for your life. He wants you to experience His glory and to reveal His glory through you.
Why not read the story of Jesus of Nazareth? Fast forward to the book of Revelation and see Jesus in Heaven. Then you will understand that GLORY can never be boring.
If your life has no adventure, ask God to put you on track to glory.
I hope you will allow me to conclude with some essential practical wisdom. One thing which imprisons so many good people is THE TYRANNY OF THE URGENT.
Of course you must not neglect ESSENTIAL practical duties. But are you setting aside time every day to work on your life dream?
For example, if you are called to minister the Good News of Jesus, start a house church or do something special for God, you need to MAKE time to prepare, to read and pray.
What are you doing TODAY to advance towards your destiny?
