God is Better than you Think

 If you believe in Jesus and trust God with all your heart, you need not fear death.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? Jn 14:1–2 NRSV

When Lazarus died, his sister was devastated.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jn 11:21 NIV

Jesus comforted her with the promise that our life does not end with earthly death.

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jn 11:23–24 NIV

Martha already believed this, but Jesus wanted to reveal something even better to her. 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 
and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Jn 11:25–26 ESV

She believed this to some extent, but Jesus wanted to far exceed her expectations.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, Eph 3:20 NKJV

Lazarus had been dead for four days, but Jesus brought him back to life, not just restored, but no longer sick.

No matter how weak your faith may be, Jesus wants to help you.

No matter how strong your faith is, Jesus wants to exceed your expectations.

God is better than you think. 

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. Jer 29:11 NKJV

God Still Works Miracles

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Ps 46:1 NIV

 If your life always runs smoothly and successfully, you can hardly understand this Bible text. You don't need a miracle until you need a miracle.

You don't need God's provision until you need provision.

In early 1994, I lost my job. I hadn't failed, but they no longer needed some language teachers, and I was out of a job.

Just at that time, I had met a dear woman who has now been my wonderful wife of 29 years. I was in a tight spot. I had some money in the bank and I could only find a few hours of temporary work at first. But every time my money ran out, I got enough temp work to barely survive.

It got better step by step. Almost two years later I got married, but I was by no means wealthy. On the contrary. But a year later, I got my job back. A district judge ruled that my dismissal was unjust. I got $20,000 in compensation. Then I was able to buy my first computer.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Ps 46:1 NIV

Then we were told we could apply for a promotion, but I thought I had no chance. An older colleague told me I should try.

I spent two sleepless nights writing my application, still handwritten at the time. Then I had my application typed up and sent it by fax. The last page arrived at one minute to five on a Friday afternoon, the absolute deadline.

I was amazed when I got the promotion. I got $5000 more per year.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Ps 46:1 NIV

What is your problem?

I had a cancer diagnosis almost three years ago. I prayed earnestly and I received an assurance from the Holy Spirit that God would heal me, without radiation therapy. A year ago I got the good news. In September 2020 I had an MRI scan. No trace of tumours.

I had regular blood tests in the meantime. I'm not a spiritual fool. But the findings were not alarming and finally the confirmation came. God was reliable and faithful.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Ps 46:1 NIV

It was too late to brake. She could not avoid a collision. Then she felt a terrible heat. The vehicle drove through her car without making any noise, without causing any damage. It was like something out of a fantasy film.

I know the woman very well. This really happened.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Ps 46:1 NIV