Our Story is for His Glory

Our Story is for His Glory Devotional Reading and Podcast

The desperation in the minds of those living without a relationship with Christ is real. Although statistics are not discussed, mental and emotional issues have risen to the highest level of any disease that has ever devastated human life. Hopelessness permeates individuals, families, and societies globally. We are in a pandemic from the continuous escalation of mental and emotional illnesses.

In 2023, we are losing the battle against depression, addiction, and suicide. There are not enough psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to provide treatment for those who are living without a purpose and asking “Why am I here?”

“Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the transgressor is hard.” Proverbs 13:15

The Bible tells us, the way of the transgressor is hard. Who are the transgressors? We assume that the worldly sinner fits this description, yet, the biblical translation of transgressors also includes the unfaithful and faithless. Many believers are included in the hard-knock life because of their faithlessness in God. Let’s explore the etiology of the hopelessness in our lives.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer [be courageous], I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

Believers we know that life’s hardships, Jesus called them trials and sorrows, are strong enough to make us feel that we are drowning in the ocean. Still, something is very wrong. How can we say we are followers of Christ and be included in the statistics of the highest level of despondency in the history of humanity?

Jesus provides the answer to the believer’s spiritual, mental, and emotional dilemma. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 16:33). The spiritual equation for spiritual growth and mental and emotional stability is: Human Effort + Divine Intervention = Victory.

The only way for us to have the same mental and emotional status as unbelievers is if we are not in a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether we use the term believer, follower, disciple, Christian, or saved, we have been given “a work” to do for God. The Great Commission found in Matthew 28, verses 18 to 20 is a requisite for every follower of Christ.

King David asked himself, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 43:5 NLT).

Praising God redirects our focus to the goodness of God. We receive joy and peace. With zeal, we must tell others of Jesus’ love. Spreading the message of hope uplifts our souls and demonstrates our surrender and obedience to Christ. Fulfilling our earthly mission honors God. And God always rains down blessings on those who bring glory and honor to His name. Our continuous prayers for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit when we witness drive out the unclean spirits of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and worries in the disciple and the people listening.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” –Isaiah 6:8

Jesus asks, “Who will go for us?” Those who fail to witness may assume that today’s Christians do not have the responsibility of witnessing or we blame the unbeliever for rejecting Christ. Truthfully, there are a limited number of churches that have Outreach ministries and we do not desire the responsibilities of true discipleship. Satan has deceived us into believing that the Great Commission was a command only relevant to Jesus’ original disciples.

Yet, in addition to Jesus’ command, the apostle Paul’s writings are evidence that we have a lifelong responsibility to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For those of us who are desperate to receive our reward of eternal life, God has allowed the advancement of technology to spread the message that “Jesus is love!”

“As of January 2023, there were 5.16 billion internet users worldwide, which is 64.4 percent of the global population.” https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/

In 2007, I purchased my first laptop. I was familiar with the hospital software to document nursing notes but only knew how to turn my laptop on and off. It was God’s Divine Intervention that a patient care tech on the night shift told me that he would teach me the computer basics. I praise God for his willingness and patience.

God had future plans to develop a writing talent that I was unaware of. Since 2017, the Holy Spirit has enabled me to write messages of hope, encouragement, and the necessity for us to prepare for Jesus’ soon coming. I am still in awe when I look at the WordPress stats and the people from different countries who have the desire to learn more about our earthly journey of Sanctification and Jesus’ promise to never leave us or forsake us. My spiritual gift is only used for His glory.

We can agree that God’s Omnipotence is Divine, Supernatural, Miraculous, and above and beyond our comprehension. Unfortunately, our understanding of God’s power is always limited by our personal experiences and level of faith. If the Christian community would reflect on their defeats that ended in victories and listen to the testimonies of those who praise God for His love and miraculous intervention, we would witness and alleviate the hopelessness that is prevailing in our world.

Does God still perform miracles in 2023? Our victories prove that God is love and He cares for those who are living now. We can use our stories to impact the mental and emotional turmoil that threatens to overtake our societies. Tell someone that God is still in control of His world and He promises to love, provide, and protect those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior.

God expects us to share “Our Story for His Glory.” Our amazing testimonies of God’s love, grace, and mercies encourage the body of Christ. But something you may not be aware of when the stories of Jesus transforming the lives of those who were deep into sin and the miracles of mental, emotional, and physical healing are shared on social media, many unbelievers also look at these videos.

We may never know who will see and hear evidence of the God who sees, loves, and cares about those He created in His image. Do not assume that all unbelievers have rejected Jesus as their personal Savior. In 2023, there are many adults and children in four generations globally who have never heard of Jesus.

It’s time for us to put Christ first by answering His question, Who will go for us? We must do our part in sharing the message of hope that Jesus is love and He cares. Never dismiss your efforts because of the individual’s lack of response or commitment. Consider it a blessing if the person takes the time to listen. When we plant the seeds then the Holy Spirit will do the rest to produce spiritual growth in every receptive heart. God is still performing miracles in 2023!

Always pray for wisdom before you witness. Too many personal details will cause the hearer to lose focus on God. Share your story, another believer’s testimony, or a biblical story of God’s Divine love and victory. There is a better way and His name is Jesus Christ! Amen.

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will, they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

Prayer: God, we thank You for Your abundant love, grace, and mercies. We ask You for the anointing, presence, and power of the Holy Spirit and to reveal our spiritual assignment. We are ready to share the wonderful news of your love for all of humanity. Give us the wisdom and discernment to honor and glorify Your Holy name each day of our lives by expressing that there is a Savior who will give hope and victory. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray, Amen.