~Great Savior~ Free Reprint Article

NotifySnack

Christian Articles for All of your Publishing Needs!

LIKE US

Translate this Page Here

Word Count: 954

Send Article To Friend

Print/Use Article

Contact Shannon Heiden

~Great Savior~

by Shannon Heiden
5/30/2009 / Devotionals

"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold." (Mathew 24:12 NASB)

Beautiful One, there is so much going on in the world around us. From the east to west, from north to the south. Adversity and hardship have reared their ugly heads. How are you doing in the midst of these?

How has your heart been lately?

There is no doubt about it, we're living in troubled times. The earth is in turmoil. Hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, recessions. Yes, troubled might be an understatement.

But, even though there is trouble. Even though there is pressure on every side, there is also a way of escape. Maybe it doesn't directly effect you what is going on in Iraq or Israel, but what about in your own home, and within your very heart?

Beautiful One, everyday we are inundated with what's going on in the world. From celebrities, to CNN. In some way, we are influenced by what we see, hear and feel.

Everyday our children leave us and go to school. Our realm of influence is limited to after school, nights, weekends and vacations. If even that. Then, cut that time short because of video games, friends and outings. Where is the main realm of influence to our kids coming from?

Everyday someone else is pouring into them. Are we able to stand in full confidence that what we have taught them will override anything that is contrary?

What about marriage? Most homes have both couples working these days. Usually, the higher the income, the more time spent away from a spouse. The job with those long hours that got you to where you are with the earnings high, now has to be maintained because spending is even higher. Are marriages and the people in them grounded and committed enough to sustain the pressures and temptations that are awaiting them each day as they walk out the door?

The world we live in screams a message to each one of us that- life is short, live like there's no tomorrow and no consequences. No matter who you trample on in the process. Enjoy all the pleasures you can because you only live once.

And the screaming is increasing.

When you really think about it, you find it to be true. And, if you really think about it, that message is terrible and fiercely misleading.

Beautiful One, when troubled times come, how do you handle it? Do you confront it head on? Do you cower? Do you avoid it hoping it will go to another's door?

What do you do when your marriage is in trouble? The mishap you thought you could work through, just wont allow you to. Especially when you find out there were more. Respect, love and communication is gone. The deafening silence is even more painful because you know it holds the truth.

Or, what about when your child is in trouble? Drugs, alcohol, wrong crowd. They quit school, run off and leave your heart in such anguish, torn in pieces.

Maybe you have a friend or family member who has an addiction, and their only cure is to sink deeper into it? What do you do when your mistreated? Unjustly and unprovoked. To make it even worse, no one believes you. No one else is there to stand beside you.

Maybe you've lost a job and it has caused you to lose everything you have. Maybe a tornado or a Katrina ripped through your life and destroyed everything you hold dear. Maybe, you live across the seas in a distant land, and the injustice and pain you incur daily has you on the threshold of losing all hope to even live.

When trouble comes at an all time high in our lives, we need to be careful to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For if we don't vigilantly guard them, our love could grow cold.

Beautiful One, pain is pain and trouble is trouble. Whether we sit high up on a hill, or low in the dirt on a mat. Each one of us will know troubled times. We run the risk every time trouble hits our doorstep, of it piercing our hearts and leaving a gaping wound.

Because there is great trouble, we need something greater than our adversity to be able to overcome and be the last man standing.

We need a Great Savior!

Now, I don't know about you but in my 37 years on this earth, I don't have all the answers. I'm not even close to having it all figured out. What I do have, is the understanding that there is a God who loves me and has promised to keep careful watch over me. No matter what I walk through. He has given me his Word that He will walk through every trial, test and storm. He will be with me every step of the way.

Even when I'm afraid. Even when I falter. Even when I fall down. Even when I don't feel, see or hear him.

God is there.

He is there with you as well...

Beautiful One, the grass withers, the flower fades but His Word shall stand forever.(Isaiah 40:8 nasb)

Jesus the Word that was made flesh. He is our hope and strength during troubled times. Jesus knew many troubles. He was a man of many sorrows, many.... but He endured. Never wavering in unbelief or his commitment. He overcame every obstacle, test and trial. He overcame the Cross, despising it's shame.

And He did it, so that you and I can too.

All because,
He's a Great Savior!

Beautiful one, just believe and guard your heart so that your love will increase and never grow cold...

Shannon Heiden
[email protected]
changingonelifereachingmany.typepad.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW