December 9th, 2024
by Joel Sosa
by Joel Sosa
Life has a way of shaking us to our core. We set out with expectations, dreams, and plans, only to find ourselves facing unexpected challenges that leave us feeling disoriented and lost. It's in these moments that our faith is truly tested. How do we stay on the path when everything around us seems to be crumbling?
The story of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, provides a powerful example of remaining steadfast in the face of life-altering news. Imagine being engaged to someone you love, only to discover they're pregnant - and not by you. Joseph's world was undoubtedly shaken. His initial reaction was to quietly break off the engagement, sparing Mary public disgrace. But then, an angel appeared to him in a dream, revealing God's greater plan.
This moment in Joseph's life teaches us a profound lesson: we may not see Jesus initially in our trials, but if we stay the course, we will see Him eventually. Joseph could have allowed hurt and betrayal to guide his actions. Instead, he chose to trust in God's promise, even when it defied all logical explanation.
The apostle Paul, a man who endured beatings, shipwrecks, and countless hardships for his faith, offers us wisdom on how to stay strong when life shakes us. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, he encourages us to "be strong and immovable, always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
Let's break down Paul's advice into three key principles:
1. Be Strong
Being strong doesn't always mean feeling powerful or unafraid. The Greek word used here, "hydraios," actually means "to be seated." Our strength comes not from our own abilities, but from where we choose to plant ourselves. Are we rooted in the shifting sands of our circumstances, or are we firmly seated in God's unchanging truth?
Remember Joshua, who faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God's words to him ring true for us today: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Our strength comes from knowing that God is with us, even in our most challenging moments.
2. Be Immovable
In a world that constantly tries to sway our convictions, we're called to stand firm. King David exemplified this when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Despite criticism from his wife and others, David danced before the Lord with all his might, unconcerned with how he appeared to others. He was immovable in his devotion to God, refusing to let the opinions of others dictate his worship.
Being immovable doesn't mean being stubborn or close-minded. Rather, it means being so deeply rooted in God's love and truth that the winds of public opinion or personal doubt cannot uproot us.
3. Work Enthusiastically for the Lord
The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek "entheos," which literally means "God within." When we work enthusiastically for God, we're allowing His presence within us to fuel our actions. This isn't about mustering up fake cheerfulness; it's about recognizing that our work has eternal significance.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodied this principle when she responded to the angel's shocking news with, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true" (Luke 1:38). She embraced God's plan with enthusiasm, despite the potential for misunderstanding and even danger.
Peter's attempt to walk on water also illustrates this concept. His enthusiasm led him to step out of the boat, defying natural laws to join Jesus. While he eventually faltered when he took his eyes off Christ, Peter's initial step was one of enthusiastic faith.
As we navigate life's journey, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate goal isn't comfort or ease in this life. Our sights should be set on eternity. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
This perspective doesn't diminish our current struggles but places them in a broader context. Every trial we face, every moment of shaking we endure, is an opportunity for God to work within us, refining us and preparing us for eternity.
So how do we apply these principles in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Root yourself in God's Word daily. Let His truth be the foundation you stand on when everything else is shaking.
2. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage you and remind you of God's faithfulness when you're struggling to see it.
3. Practice gratitude, even in difficult circumstances. This helps shift our focus from our problems to God's presence.
4. Serve others. Often, working enthusiastically for the Lord involves meeting the needs of those around us.
5. Cultivate a eternal perspective. Regularly remind yourself that this life is not all there is.
Life will inevitably shake us. Circumstances will arise that we never anticipated. In those moments, we have a choice. We can allow ourselves to be stirred into panic, doubt, or despair, or we can choose to be shaken but not stirred - holding fast to the unshakeable truth of God's love and promises.
Remember, you may not see Jesus initially in your trials, but if you stay the course, you will see Him eventually. And when you do, you'll find that He was there all along, ready to lift you up just as He did for Peter on the stormy sea.
So take heart, weary traveler. Your journey may be difficult, but it is not in vain. Every step you take in faith, every moment you choose to trust God despite your circumstances, is building something beautiful and eternal within you. Stay strong, be immovable, and work enthusiastically for the Lord. Your labor in Him is never in vain.
The story of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, provides a powerful example of remaining steadfast in the face of life-altering news. Imagine being engaged to someone you love, only to discover they're pregnant - and not by you. Joseph's world was undoubtedly shaken. His initial reaction was to quietly break off the engagement, sparing Mary public disgrace. But then, an angel appeared to him in a dream, revealing God's greater plan.
This moment in Joseph's life teaches us a profound lesson: we may not see Jesus initially in our trials, but if we stay the course, we will see Him eventually. Joseph could have allowed hurt and betrayal to guide his actions. Instead, he chose to trust in God's promise, even when it defied all logical explanation.
The apostle Paul, a man who endured beatings, shipwrecks, and countless hardships for his faith, offers us wisdom on how to stay strong when life shakes us. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, he encourages us to "be strong and immovable, always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."
Let's break down Paul's advice into three key principles:
1. Be Strong
Being strong doesn't always mean feeling powerful or unafraid. The Greek word used here, "hydraios," actually means "to be seated." Our strength comes not from our own abilities, but from where we choose to plant ourselves. Are we rooted in the shifting sands of our circumstances, or are we firmly seated in God's unchanging truth?
Remember Joshua, who faced the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. God's words to him ring true for us today: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Our strength comes from knowing that God is with us, even in our most challenging moments.
2. Be Immovable
In a world that constantly tries to sway our convictions, we're called to stand firm. King David exemplified this when he brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. Despite criticism from his wife and others, David danced before the Lord with all his might, unconcerned with how he appeared to others. He was immovable in his devotion to God, refusing to let the opinions of others dictate his worship.
Being immovable doesn't mean being stubborn or close-minded. Rather, it means being so deeply rooted in God's love and truth that the winds of public opinion or personal doubt cannot uproot us.
3. Work Enthusiastically for the Lord
The word "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek "entheos," which literally means "God within." When we work enthusiastically for God, we're allowing His presence within us to fuel our actions. This isn't about mustering up fake cheerfulness; it's about recognizing that our work has eternal significance.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, embodied this principle when she responded to the angel's shocking news with, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true" (Luke 1:38). She embraced God's plan with enthusiasm, despite the potential for misunderstanding and even danger.
Peter's attempt to walk on water also illustrates this concept. His enthusiasm led him to step out of the boat, defying natural laws to join Jesus. While he eventually faltered when he took his eyes off Christ, Peter's initial step was one of enthusiastic faith.
As we navigate life's journey, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate goal isn't comfort or ease in this life. Our sights should be set on eternity. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
This perspective doesn't diminish our current struggles but places them in a broader context. Every trial we face, every moment of shaking we endure, is an opportunity for God to work within us, refining us and preparing us for eternity.
So how do we apply these principles in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Root yourself in God's Word daily. Let His truth be the foundation you stand on when everything else is shaking.
2. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage you and remind you of God's faithfulness when you're struggling to see it.
3. Practice gratitude, even in difficult circumstances. This helps shift our focus from our problems to God's presence.
4. Serve others. Often, working enthusiastically for the Lord involves meeting the needs of those around us.
5. Cultivate a eternal perspective. Regularly remind yourself that this life is not all there is.
Life will inevitably shake us. Circumstances will arise that we never anticipated. In those moments, we have a choice. We can allow ourselves to be stirred into panic, doubt, or despair, or we can choose to be shaken but not stirred - holding fast to the unshakeable truth of God's love and promises.
Remember, you may not see Jesus initially in your trials, but if you stay the course, you will see Him eventually. And when you do, you'll find that He was there all along, ready to lift you up just as He did for Peter on the stormy sea.
So take heart, weary traveler. Your journey may be difficult, but it is not in vain. Every step you take in faith, every moment you choose to trust God despite your circumstances, is building something beautiful and eternal within you. Stay strong, be immovable, and work enthusiastically for the Lord. Your labor in Him is never in vain.
Posted in Strong in the Storm
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