Bible Studies: Go and do likewise!

Have you ever been in a difficult circumstance, or some sort of challenge whether at home or at work? In my experience, I have realized that at times when you walk through challenges of life and its compounding pressure – a dream dies, hope subsides, and exuberance and excitement is lost, discouragement sets in. You did not ask for that challenge but it came as a surprise, discouragement lingers on, turning into depression causing ill effects on your life. The fact is “when you smile everyone around you smiles, but when you weep you weep alone.” We live in such a busy world with instant gratification and self-centered mindset where people hardly have time for anyone else. We have many technological gadgets and entertainment, but they only provide momentary pleasure.

The Bible speaks a lot about trials and afflictions and how we must face such times. Apostle Peter wrote, “Consider it not strange, but count it all joy when you face diverse circumstances and trials.” Multiplicity of writers of the Holy Bible establishes a fact that there is something to learn in life as we go through trials and afflictions. You do not need to be unstable at such times, rather walk confidently knowing that trying moments of life will result in you becoming a better person as you learn to praise God at all times.

The reason we get discouraged is because we look at life through “result oriented point of view” where everything is about the bottom line. Rather, we need to look at life through “relationship oriented point of view” where God wants to relate with you in a personal manner. Life is not about what you acquire materially but it is about who you are personally. I encourage you to find people who are interested in you for who you are and not what you possess. Your value is “you”! Do not be fooled by the package, look what is inside the package. The value is inside “you.”

I believe, during trials we are being taught how to rejoice in the face of adversity. That is what real champions do; they get back in the ring and fight. You and I were created to give God praise. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Praise should be on our lips at all times.

Challenges of life reveal that you are in the hour of change and change is not easy to go through, however, one thing in life that will not change is the reality of change. At such times you may feel “fragile” but this is a time to rejoice. For example you may be on a diet to lose weight, this hour of change is not easy, but you must learn to rejoice looking beyond the process to a new you.

Beloved, think it not strange at what you are going through; know that God will see you through.

I want to give you three steps to help you in your daily walk:

1. Learn to praise God at all times. Your words have power, so speak forth the praises of God in the midst of a trial of any sort.

2. Learn to pray. Prayer is nothing but talking your heart out to God.

3. Learn to focus your energies on the needs of others. If you can focus your energy towards the needs of others, you will be set free from the holds of yesterday and make your today more meaning and your tomorrows successful.

Benefits of Praising God:

1. Praising God will give you a Faith-Attitude instead of Fatalistic-Attitude.

2. Praising God will magnify Him instead of the circumstances.

3. Praising God will help you take your eyes off your circumstances.

4. Praising God will dispel stress and depression, it will release joy in your life.

5. Praising God will make you thankful instead of complaining.

6. Praising God always precedes blessings.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Good Samaritan. In brief, I have outlined six steps the Good Samaritan took to show the God kind of love. He did not know this wounded man, they were not related, nor of the same race, yet does he go out of his way to help this person. I hope and pray that we learn and apply these steps in our day-to-day life which can truly transform our homes, community, and our wonderful Nation.

1. Real Love requires you “draw closer” to the needy. You cannot love from a distance.

2. Real Love makes you do something about the need. Real Love requires you to do “selfless” things for others. The Good Samaritan walked but the wounded man on his donkey.

3. Real Love requires you to invest your time and resources for others. The proof of love is seen in the investment of time.

4. Real Love demands responsibility. The Good Samaritan did not abandon the wounded man; he stayed with him and later left with a responsible Innkeeper.

5. Real Love is costly. It will cost your time, energy, resources, and sacrificial giving. The Good Samaritan paid for all expenses for the wounded man.

6. Real Love goes beyond racial boundaries. He did this for a complete stranger from a different race, in this story; the wounded man was a Jew, while the Good Samaritan was from Samaria – the story represents two races that did not get along very well.

 In closing, I want to say, “Go and do likewise.”