I have been thinking about all the different events that have taken place recently. For example, flooding in different states, airplane incidents, and church violence. Why are these things happening? Looking at social media, people are afraid, angry, and shocked.
Pastor Brenda recently taught about this in her sermons from the Book of Job. She stated that we live in a world where we experience tribulation. John 16:33 (KJV) says, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” If I were to paraphrase that, Jesus was saying that even during distress and suffering, we are to be courageous, confident, undaunted, and filled with joy. In other words, God reassures us that even though events will happen in our lives, He is taking care of us!
Pastor Brenda also stated that Job’s example showed our tendencies during these times. We may question God. We may pull away from God or even bear a spirit of unforgiveness toward what has happened. We may turn to our family or friends for answers or advice. If you remember the story of Job, that is exactly what he did; however, some of the advice he received was not the best. You could say it confused him even more. He told them so in Job 16:2 (AMPC), which says, “I heard many such things; wearisome and miserable comforters are you all!”
During uncertain times, we need to go to God with our worries, concerns, or distress. He is our comforter. He understands us better than anyone and can speak to us through His Word, and through the Holy Spirit, to give us the answers for which we are searching. The verse that comes to mind is John 14:26 (AMPC) which says, “But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things.”
Pastors taught us in February how to command peace in our lives. They gave us five key steps about how we can receive the peace of God in times of crisis, challenges, and turmoil. Those steps include the following: resist worry, take the situation to God in prayer, always give thanks to God, keep your thoughts in check, and put into practice the things you already know to do. When we do these five things, the Bible says that God’s peace will take over in our hearts and minds.
Lesly Armstrong is a staff member of Lord of Hosts Church.
