OVERCOMING LIFE'S CHALLENGES ~ Precious Victor Akah
Let's begin with this interesting Scripture reading: Luke 6:46-49, "Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
The scripture we just read tells us the importance of putting the Word of God we read and hear into practice. The man who hears the Word of God and puts it into practice has a firm foundation (Jesus) and a strong support system (heavenly backing), so when life's challenges confronts him, he'll not be overcome by them; rather, Jesus will give him victory for the sole fact that he does whatever He (Jesus) says, in other words, Jesus is truly his Lord.
But a man who hears the word of God and does not practice it has no foundation, let alone a support system; so when life's challenges confronts him, he is completely broken down and overcome by them. Jesus does not step in to help such a man because Jesus is not truly his Lord. Jesus is the Lord of anyone who does what Jesus says. Is Jesus truly your Lord? Remember, only when He is truly your Lord can He step in to help and give victory when challenges comes.
It is not enough to be a daily reader of the Word and brag that you read your Bible everyday, it is much more important to God that you actually practice/do what the Word says. Doing the latter is more beneficial to you as a child of God. It is what will attract heaven's attention and draw divine help to you when challenges comes. A mere reader who does not do what the Word says will lack divine help in time of trouble. But a doer of the Word lacks no help from God.
Apostle James also spoke about the importance of putting God's Word into practice in James 1:22-25: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
Therefore, don't just read the Bible, don't just hear the Word, be a practicer, a doer of the Word you hear - that is much more important. When the Word tells you forgive, forgive; when it tells you avoid sexual immorality, obey; when it tells you don't lie, don't cheat, don't steal, don't defraud - heed the Word. That is what it means to be a doer of the Word and a proof that Jesus is indeed the Lord of your life.
Interestingly, only doers of the Word are promised God's blessings according to James 1:25, "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." Scripture says the one who does the word will be blessed in what they do.
Take note of this and resolve with the help of the Holy Spirit living in you, to be both a reader and a doer of God's Word. If you're yet to be born again, please surrender your life to Jesus today and begin living in obedience to the word of God and you shall be tremendously blessed. And any challenge that confronts you, Jesus will give you victory over. "Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.” Psalm 50:15
God bless you.
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