Bless in the Mess

I, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything’s going to be all right; rest, everything’s coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!- Jude 1:1-2

Currently, we are living in such uncertain times. However, it is beautiful to see God’s works especially during trying times.

When a problem arises in our life, that’s when we pause and lift our heads up from our self-centred lifestyle.

In trying times we often say, “Now we can only pray”. It is a mentality which is nurtured that praying is the last option after trying all possible options for resolution by our own strength and now we give it to God.

Jesus gave his life for us, not for us to go to him last but first. We are called to relax and trust in him, that by His strength everything is going to be all right.

What does relax and trust in him mean?
When we are relaxed, we rest it out, it is a state of rest. It is either because of something good that has happened that we are at peace or most of the times we are expectant of a favourable outcome.

God wants us to rest in him, being expectant of an outcome which is favourable. It might not be an instant gratification which is self-pleasing but it will be one which will impart glory to him.

I want to highlight a short personal story here. Recently, my father slipped in the bathroom. Generally, a super anxious me would have panicked. But that very moment, I could trust in God because I know He’s there and nothing is a surprise to Jesus.

I prayed and sought God. I felt restful amidst the chaos. It was only because I could open my heart to Jesus; trusting in his promise that all things work together for good. I was expectant that He would use this situation to glorify Him.

Praise God that my father was all fine and did not have a scratch on his body or any fractured bones – all his reports were clean. Furthermore, I got a chance to share a bible verse with him and tell him how the church family prayed for him. It gave me the courage to tell him about how good God is. I could proclaim my Christian faith so boldly to my father who is a non-believer.

This was a much-needed reminder.
We are “Called”, this refers not to a general invitation to salvation, but to God’s irresistible, elective call to salvation. This call yields:

(1) Fellowship with Christ (1 Cor. 1:9);

(2) Peace (1 Cor. 7:15);

(3) Freedom (Gal. 5:13);

(4) A worthy walk (Eph. 4:1);

(5) Hope (Eph. 4:4);

(6) Holiness (1 Peter 1:15);

(7) Blessing (1 Peter 3:9);

(8) Eternal glory (1 Peter 5:10);

(9) Grace of our God (verse 4).

When we get a call we need to answer the telephone. Similarly, it is important to answer to God’s call; we are 21st Century temples of God who need to be visible.

We need to be expectant of Christ favoured outcome. Bible mentions us to be anxious for nothing but let our hearts be praying unceasingly, knowing that our Lord is not distant but an everlasting, living God who hears our prayers and is so close to us.

It is only when our hearts are opened and expectant of Jesus to be present and working in our everyday lives that we will be filled with hope which is everlasting.

Jesus, I pray for humility and a restful heart. Let me be expectant of everything to work together in love according to your will and glory.
Amen