either to our own mistakes or to circum-
stances beyond our control. Jesus knew this
side of life was unavoidable. He told His
disciples, “In this world you will have trou-
ble” (John 16:33, NIV). It is reassuring to
know there is Someone who already knows
our future. God also foresees the help we
need to overcome the problems that come
our way. When we give our hearts and lives
to Him, we are never alone. He will be with
us through every trial.
When we are weak, God will make us
strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Whatever the
challenge, we can choose to face it with the
overcoming power of God. We never have
to walk alone. God is right there, loving us
W
HERE DO YOU find the strength These three rope strands woven all the time. He will never let us down.
you need to get through each together for strength remind me of the Jesus spoke the truth when He said we
day? Do you realize your life intertwined three persons of the Holy would have trouble in this world. But in
needs to change, but nothing Trinity, who give me a strong, life-giving His great love, Jesus went on to say, “But
you try seems to work? relationship with God. My heavenly take heart! I have overcome the world”
On a recent visit to a historic naval Father created me and delights in me. His (John 16:33). He promises to strengthen us,
museum, I saw a demonstration of rope- Son, Jesus Christ, purified me at the cross to heal us, to provide for our needs, and,
making methods of 150 years ago. It was of Calvary, where He received the punish- one day, to bring us safely home to heaven.
fascinating to watch simple wooden ment for my sin. And the Holy Spirit Where is your strength coming from
machines twisting the three strands of fiber brings me into a deep, continuous two- today? Put your trust in Jesus. Like the
together to form the type of rope used by way communication with God, shaping strongest rope that never breaks, the
sailors in the past. Our guide impressed on my character and giving me divine power Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will give you
us the vital importance of the strength of to live a life pleasing to Him. Together, all the strength you need to live a victori-
the rope. The safety of a ship and even the the Trinity gives me everything I need for ous, overcoming life.
lives of her crew could depend on the capac- life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
ity of the rope to stand the strain—both the The truth is that everyone experiences Emma Peterson lives and writes in Bucking-
thinner rope for sail rigging and the heavier difficulties and disappointments in life. hamshire, England, where she is a member of
rope to moor the ship in harbor. Some degree of hardship strikes us all, due the Elim Pentecostal Church.
THE
Acknowledge you have sinned
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us”
KEYS TO
(1 John 1:8).* “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
ETERNAL
Believe in Jesus
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). “For God so
LIFE
loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
CHRIST PAID for our Confess and renounce your sin
salvation with His death
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that
on the cross, but for us
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). “If we confess
to accept this gift is as our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all
simple as using these
unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
keys to unlock the door: *Scriptures are from the New International Version.
EVANGEL • MAR 2008 17
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