15 Oct 2014 by Adeline Lum CM-
On 14th of October, Pastor Malcolm Lloyd Atkinson of Community Baptist Church (CBC) of Kota Damansara gave a sermon at CBC Petaling Jaya.
How should we see life challenges?
Firstly, we need to know challenges are temporary.
You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials (1 Pet 1:6 HCSB)
Every challenge has an expiry date. Though some of our life challenges may be lifelong, a preacher once said that our lifespan on earth is considered fleeting in the light of eternity.
Secondly, we need to set our hope on Jesus Christ by hearing the Word of God.
Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be serious and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Pet 1:13 HCSB)
Our hope comes from knowing Jesus Christ. And from hearing God’s Word, our faith increases.
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. (Romans 10:17 HCSB)
Hearing the Word of God is exceptionally important especially when we are facing all sorts of negative news, comments, and no’s. This is because we tend to gravitate towards negativity instead of the wonderful promises of God.
For example, Pastor Malcolm shared how ladies would often focus on the one negative comment on their appearance rather the many compliments they received during the day. Likewise, Adam and Eve focused on the one tree that God said ‘no’ to them, instead of focusing on all the other ‘yes’s in the garden. The Israelites spies who were sent by Moses also focused more on the giants residing in the land, rather than the promise of God in bringing them into the abundant land.
When we focus on our problems, we tend to believe in our problems. But when we focus on the Word of God and His Promises, we can overcome the problem!
Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)
For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden, because whatever has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. And who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:3-5)
The truth is that the Israelites already conquered the Promised Land! And likewise, by faith, we have already conquered the problems in our world. This is because our faith in God draws His grace into our life.
Pr Malcolm shared how a bleeding woman was saved by first hearing about Jesus and having faith that Jesus can heal her. He said to her, “Daughter, you faith has made you well.” (Mark 5:34)
Another man who was lame from birth in Lystra also heard Paul speak. And after observing that this man has faith, Paul commanded the man, “Stand upright on your feet!” This man had so much faith that he sprang to his feet. (Acts 14:8-10)
We need to continuously hear the Word of God because we keep forgetting His Word!
And lastly, we need to realise that we are temporary residents in this world with eternal destiny. When we consider our lives with an eternal destiny in mind, we are motivated to live holy lives and honour God in all our conduct.
Pr Malcolm shared how Joseph escaped the seduction of Potiphar’s beautiful wife because he saw the eternal God. In other words, Joseph always remembered that the eternal God was with him. Many people fell into temptation because they momentarily forgot that God is with them.
But as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct (1 Pet 1:15)
Come to your senses and stop sinning, for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame. (1 Cor 15:34)
For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age (Tit 2:11-12)
So, if you are suffering for what is right, you are blessed! The Bible says that we should not be afraid and revere Christ as our Lord. (1 Pet 3:14-15)
Hence, as believers in Christ, we are not exempted from suffering. But even then, challenges are only temporary with an expiry date, especially in the light of eternity. Also, by realising that we are temporary residence in this world in the eternal presence of God, we can honour God by living holy lives even amidst challenges in life.
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