The world we live in
is a complicated world. What makes it even more complicated, I believe, is the
nature of life, in this case, human life. However, when hit with life struggle,
we are compelled to ask, what is life? Is life more than what we study
in biology, or less? Do the difficulties of life evolve into the challenges we
face? Why must we face difficulties anyways? Are challenges of life a
determining factor towards the way our lives are shaped? We must understand
that it is natural that humans must be confronted with problems and these problems forms
part of the challenges we face. If this is the case, it means the nature of
what life has to offer is not limited to any individual, groups, race or culture; it
encompasses all of humanity. It does not take into account whether one is
religious or not. However, for the religious man, whose world
contains two opposite forces, the good and the bad forces, things may be a lot
different for him. As religious person, how do you react to situations in life?
Do you believe you are suffering from a crime you did not commit and/or never
intended to commit? Whom do you hold responsible for the troubles you face in
life? Who blames who? After all (as some of us would say), did Jesus not take away our suffering when he
died? Why should I suffer? Many and more of these questions run through our
minds almost every day.
There are things that
bother man: death, hunger, wealth, education, shelter, food, clothing, etc.,
are all issues to deal with. Regardless of class in the society, rich or poor,
you find yourself in one or more these situations. Regrettably, some people are
used to saying things like, “that man has no problem” or that “this person has
no problem at all,” without thinking about the implication of their statement.
I believe that any man who has no problem has the greatest problem. The problem
of not having a problem is a problem and is the greatest of all problems. The
world is in chaos and everybody living in the world is entitled to share in
this chaos. However, coming to the
realization of the fact that we need succor when we are in trouble, there seem to
be hope for us who are believers. For those who are believers, there is a
better place for you. For Christ has said, “There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going
to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And
after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to
myself, so that you will be where I am. (John 14:2). All we need do is to
realize that we need external help, aid from above to intervene.
We need to understand
that the world is ruled by an oppressive ruler, the Devil. This is evident in
the temptation of Jesus Christ, when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the
world and their glory and promised to give it to Jesus if only he (Jesus) will
bow down and worship him (Satan). When we are in trial, who do we blame? Some
of us are quick to point our fingers to God but the bible has stated it clearly
that, “If people are tempted by such trials, they must not say, ‘This
temptation comes from God.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself
tempts no one.” Let us look at the perfect icon, Jesus Christ. He was tempted
but he never succumbed. He suffered but he prayed for strength and never gave up.
If Jesus, the son of God had his challenges, do we expect mere mortals not to
have one? If Jesus called on God to be saved, will our own case be different?
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| With open arms He invites us |
Let us all realize that
we are journeying to a place where there will be no death, hunger, sickness or
suffering. Let us also realize that the enemy, who is the cause of our trouble
will not be happy seeing us not suffering that is why he is doing everything he
can to stop us. We need to realize, also, that our challenges in life only lead to our
spiritual upliftment and cleansing, making us worthy to becomes sons of God.
For, truly, if we must follow Christ, we must indeed pick up our cross and
follow Him. Make up your mind and follow him today!
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