“But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?” – Romans 10:14 (NLT)
Many believers are familiar with this verse: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” – Psalm 34:19 (NKJV). We are also aware that life is no bed of roses. All of us experience pain, disappointment, discouragement, betrayal, hurt, and trouble on every side. Sometimes we feel burdened by life and quite disappointed that life itself can offer us no lasting solutions.
According to the Scriptures, righteous people face many afflictions. The word many, according to the Oxford Dictionary, means ‘a large number of.’ And God’s Word shows us that having many troubles is not a strange occurrence for a person who is righteous, but there is hope. The Lord delivers them or brings them safely through.
But what about the unrighteous? What about people who live from day to day without a relationship with God, who do not recognise that there is a God, or have faith in Him? The Bible shows us that the sun rises and rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous person (Matthew 5:45). The righteous person knows that the Lord will save him/her, but what does the unrighteous know? How do they cope with life’s blows?
I heard a story years ago of a young woman who was experiencing many difficulties in her family. She was struggling and hopeless. I did not know her, but my heart bled for her. I was moved to say a prayer. Weeks later, I met the person who had related the young woman’s troubles to me. I asked how she was doing, only to hear that they buried her days before. She took her own life. I was hurt, broken, and saddened by this news.
Believers, people are struggling, and it is our duty to share the hope that we have with them. We know of God’s ability to deliver us from all our troubles, but there are many who do not know of His ability to deliver or His saving grace. They have no faith and are hopeless. It is not the Lord’s will that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9), so let us work for Jesus with greater vigour to share our faith. Faith will come when people hear the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17).
Prayer mixed with the Word of God will bring faith and transform lives. Let’s be true witnesses and share our faith.
Prayer
Dear God, we all face troubles and need a Saviour. Help us to feel for people and be willing and ready to share our faith. Use us as instruments to show forth Your deliverance and bring people hope, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:14-17
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 78:56-72; Acts 21:1-26; 2 Kings 3; 2 Kings 4:1-37
