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Picture

Finding encouragement
through God's word

​"Do Not Worry", by Roger Cowan

7/19/2020

7 Comments

 

When I have confronted difficult circumstances over the years, one of the Bible passages that has given me greatest solace and peace is in Luke 12. To summarize, in verses 22 and 23 Jesus tells us: "…do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” In verses 25 and 26 he tells us: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” He concludes in verse 31 saying: “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (NIV)

The passage is especially relevant and comforting in current times. We are confronting the consequences of COVID 19 that cause deep worry to abound. We are practically imprisoned in our homes. We may suddenly undergo self-quarantine having constant doubt about whether we have been lethally infected. Many of us face job loss, economic collapse, sickness of ourselves and family members, hospitalization and even imminent death. 

How can we find peace in these circumstances? How can we possibly not worry when these threats are constantly knocking at the front door or have already entered the household seeking to drag us into the depths of despair? 

In these troubling conditions, we must face the truth. Do we really believe Jesus or not? Jesus tells us not to worry and to seek God’s kingdom. Worrying does us absolutely no good whatsoever. It only increases our suffering.  Most importantly, He tells us that when we seek God’s kingdom, God will attend to our real needs. 

Of course, we must be properly cautious and responsible, pray continuously as God commands and not put God to the test by flouting good guidelines. But when we do, it is a true test of our faith -- whether or not we can stop worrying and find peace in the midst of turbulent times. 

Do we really believe or don’t we? The truth is that God always knows exactly what is happening. He loves us boundlessly. He wants the very best for us and knows exactly what that is. He has absolute power to achieve the very best for us. There is eternal life with Jesus awaiting us. The truth is that when we put ourselves in God’s hands with faith, God WILL ALWAYS provide what is absolutely best for us in an eternal scope (although it may not be what we want). We can cast doubts aside, trust totally in Him, completely stop worrying and be at peace. 

God’s promise does not mean maybe or sometimes. There is no need for Plan B. It is His promise always. When we firmly believe and pass this test of faith, we can truly stop worrying and find incredible peace, even in the most trying circumstances with no end in sight, such as those we are currently facing.

*If you want to share a prayer concern, share it with us here.
7 Comments
Susan Hilario
7/22/2020 02:41:16 pm

Yes, that is a very good question that we all should ask ourselves, "Do we really believe Jesus or not?"

Reply
Ronald Bernal
7/23/2020 09:38:16 pm

Hi. Thank you for this very good writing. It was a real blessing to me. May God bestow His wonderful blessings upon you.

Reply
Ronald Bernal
7/23/2020 09:39:47 pm

Just for filling in.

Reply
Roger Cowan
7/25/2020 12:54:27 pm

Yesterday I had my own writings put to the test. In the morning I started feeling flu-like symptoms - a slightly sore throat, some chills, some aches and growing discomfort. I am in the high-risk category so I had real cause for concern. I put myself in God's hands through prayer and declared healing and peace came upon me. Then I went about my work still feeling the symptoms. Worry was trying to nag at me but I rejected it. This morning I woke up feeling completely normal. Praise the Lord.

Reply
Sam Llanes
7/27/2020 09:46:21 pm

Hi Roger, it is very encouraging to hear your testimony. God is in control of our lives, and He will remain faithful to us. Let's continue praising Him for His abundant blessings to us all!

Reply
Susan Hilario
7/28/2020 02:25:09 pm

Thank you for sharing that, Roger. Praise the Lord, our Healer!

Reply
Maryland Hookups link
12/4/2022 01:33:22 pm

Very nicce post

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    • News & What's Happening this Sunday
  • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Avenues of Fellowship and Service & Opportunities to Nurture the Spirit
    • Statement of Faith
    • Church Covenant
    • The Creeds (We Believe)
    • Church Governance >
      • Church Council
      • Elders Board
      • Women's Ministry Board
      • Finance & Administration Board
    • About Us >
      • New to UCG?
      • Become a Member
      • Alumni of U.C.G.
  • Our Ministries
    • General Information
    • Men's Ministry
    • Christian Education >
      • Union Kids
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      • Adult Sunday School
    • Women's Ministry >
      • Yard Sale Sign-Up Page
      • Altar Flowers Sign-Up Page
  • Give/Generosity
    • Give
    • Food Bank >
      • Food Bank Current Help Focus
      • Food Bank Impact
      • List of Items to Bring
  • Worshiping With Us
    • Worshiping Online
    • Sunday Sermons in the form of Podcast & Video I >
      • Sunday Sermons in the form of Podcast & Video II
  • Connect
    • Prayer Requests & Praises
    • Connect Online
    • Devotionals/Encouragement
  • En Español
    • Servicio de Adoración en Línea (Traducido en Diferido)