Getting Comfortable on This Side of Heaven

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." Romans 1:8


There is a story in the Old Testament about a king of Judah. His name was Jesoshaphat (that's P-H-A-T). For the most part, Jehoshaphat did his best to follow God. At one point in his reign over Judah, a huge army from three different factions came to make war against Judah. It way outnumbered and out-weaponed Judah. There was no humanly possible way of defeating this army.

As this army was assembling to attack, Jehoshaphat and the entire nation of Judah came together and complained about why this could be happening to them . . . No, they "came together to seek help from the Lord." (2 Chron. 20:4) Jehoshaphat, in front of this united body of believers, prayed to God. It wasn't a flowery, pretty prayer; just a prayer from the heart of him and the people who were faithful to God for help in time of trouble.

The Spirit of God spoke through one of the people, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chron. 20:15)

Can we ever acheive this kind of faith? As a country? Don't bet on it. As a church body? It is imperative. In John, chapter 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have told you thise things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." The emphasis on "in me" is important because it is only in Jesus Christ and faith in His overcoming power over sin and death that we can experience true peace . . . even in the face of unparalleled "trouble," which is bound to come. It certainly came to the disciples, yet they had complete peace.

In this world we do have trouble. So many of us have experienced "trouble" because we are in this world. And in the midst of it, it is very difficult to feel that peace that Jesus was talking about. And it's not "trouble" like breaking a high heel or a rained out softball game kind of trouble. Jesus is talking about traumatic, life-altering, faith-shaking trouble: the unexpected death of a family member or close friend, a divorce or unfaithful spouse, bankruptcy, the discovery of a terminal illness kind of trouble.

Yes, even as followers of Jesus Christ, we will expereince troubles just like other people in this world. Being a Christian does not guarantee immunity from the troubles of this world (in some cases, your faith may bring on troubles). The significant difference we have over those who are not "in Christ" is that peace that comes from knowing the creator of the world; the one who holds it all together. The only way we can be comfortable on this side of heaven is to make Jesus Christ our best friend, personal advisor and all around rock on which we stand. Only He can offer us the peace this world is looking for.

Sal