The Most Important Lesson for Life

Many accounts in the Bible fascinate me. Some because they are exciting and full of adventure and action. But more often because I can relate to one or more of the participants.

Every book of the Bible chronicles real-life. I can’t remember a single biblical man or woman where their life began wonderfully, continued with no hardships, and ended fabulously. Without exception, everyone struggled. Just as you and I struggle.

And that comforts me, yet convicts me as well. It’s convicting in that whenever the person took his eyes off God, mayhem and destruction followed. But comforting in that when his eyes remained fixed on God, even though he died, he lived.

The journey through life wasn’t always rosy, but the the final ending always was.

Journey of Hope

Let me give you a few quick examples: 

In a time when child-bearing gave a woman status and worth, Hannah lived barren. For years she was taunted and ridiculed. Filled with pain, she focused her eyes on God. He eventually answered her prayer and opened her womb. (1 Samuel 1, 2)

King David began as  a lowly shepherd boy, the youngest of a long line of capable sons. Even though as a young lad he was ordained king by the prophet Samuel, he lived an unassuming and sometimes dangerous life for years, until finally obtaining the throne (and then he still struggled). David grievously sinned at times throughout his life, but he always sought forgiveness. Being “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22), he lived a life of faith to the end and was rewarded with a place at God’s feast forever. (1 and 2 Samuel and others)

Ruth grew up a pagan in the country of Moab. She lost much, but gained more when she followed Naomi to Israel and accepted the one true God as her own. Keeping her eyes firmly on the Lord as directed by Naomi, she eventually became the great-grandmother of King David. (see book of Ruth)

And of course, there is Esther, Joseph (you know, the coat of many colors), the 12 disciples, the Apostle Paul–the list of biblical stories of pain and redemption is endless as are the lessons to be learned from them. 

Lesson for Life

But I want to encourage you in the most important lesson: To rest your trust, no matter your circumstances, firmly on the Son of God. 

Too often we look to this world for solutions to our struggles, certain if we try hard enough or search long enough we’ll find the answers. The biblical heroes did the same thing … for a while. 

But have you looked around lately? They did. 

Really, do you see anything in this world that gives hope for a resolution to your troubles? They didn’t either. 

Look to God’s Word and you’ll see the truth of what those “heroes of faith” discovered as well: The Lord has the only answer. His hope is the only true Hope. In Jesus Christ lies assured Hope for all eternity. [←Tweet this]

There is destruction and mayhem all around us, but keep your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus Christ and find the only true place of refuge.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.'” (John 11:25)

Reflections: What biblical account brings you the most encouragement in times of trouble? 

Linking up again this year with Ann Voskamp’s 2014 Joy Dare. Find the linkup at A Holy Experience. Beginning where I left off in 2013. What a blessing! #2693–2713, read the entire list by clicking here.

• A friend who challenges me and with whom I can explore tough issues; Speaking to college students; A short break from editing
• Protection mercies extended to my nephew; Making Rice Krispie treats with my daughter; Mergansers on the water
• Gorgeous orange-pink sunrise; God’s gift of time; Revisiting wonderful days and catching up with a friend
•  Opportunity to eat lunch with hubby nearly every day; Strawberry pie for dessert–bringing in a bit of spring; Spring rains
• Zachary’s acceptance to his third and final college = decision time!; Groaning of tree branches in the wind; Crazy laughter 
• Red flash of a cardinal along the highway; Sparkle of a frosty morning; Good judgement expressed by a son–unprompted! 
• Amazing Sunday School kids–so fun!; Tennis court nets up and ready for play; Truth of Scripture preached in my church