GOD CARES FOR YOU

Have you ever felt as though you were alone and no one anywhere cares? Are you lonely to the point of despair? Did you ever think that no one is interested in you or your state, not even God? A lot of people feel that way, from time to time. Even people of faith can feel that way. With Christians though, we generally only entertain such ideas temporarily, because we know that our sights are fastened upon the wrong person.

When we refocus our attention upon Christ our feelings change, too. Feelings are a poor indicator of how we actually fare. Our situation improves drastically when we are”Looking unto Jesus the author [One Who establishes and sets the pace of the Christian life] and finisher [One Who completes or matures our walk] of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in you minds” (Hebrews 12: 2-3). When we dwell upon circumstances instead of who and what we are in Christ, we faint in our minds and everything else seems hopeless.

That’s why Paul admonishes us in Romans to think upon Christ’s sacrifice for us and our’s to Him, so that our thoughts and lives might be more circumspect. Not too high and not too low. We need to be above the world in our thought, speech and practice, but not being so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good. I need these reminders as much as the next man of God.

”I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12: 1-3).

Pastors who are without pastorates tend to feel these feelings quite often. He has something to say and no place to say it. He is presently disallowed from exercising his spiritual gift(s). But, considering, also, that the Lord has not forgotten us and has sympathy with our situation, as well. He knows how we feel!

”For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched by the feelling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted [tested is a better rendering, here] like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Well, let me offer you some encouragement. God does care for you, personally and He went to great lengths to prove it. The real question is: are you willing to see His care, His interest, His vast, unceasing love for you? He sent His Son to pay the price to set you free from the bondage of sin, despair and the natural life common to those outside of Christ. Have you taken Him up on it?

I f you are a child of God and have fallen prey to this kind of thinking, then remember, God sent His Holy Spirit to indwell you, to lead you to all knowledge in Christ. As you yield to Him you expreience godly control in your life. You must yield or allow Him to control. He will never force His way in your life. He indwells you to lead you into righteousness, to bring you encouragement and to maaintain fellowship as you grant Him control of your life.

Susanna Wesley, mother of John and Charles, brought 18 children into the world, whom she dearly loved. Someone once asked Mrs. Wesley; ‘ With so many children, you must have one you favor more than the others. Which, would you say, is your favorite?”. Most of us would have become very indignant at such a suggestion. But Mrs. Wesley was very polite and answered with dignity and wisdom.

She answered, with a smile, “Which child do I love the most? Why, the one who needs me most.” It is the same with God. With so many children and yet He has mo favorites. He has His full attention set upon us and our needs. But He casts special concern upon one who has special needs, the one who needs Him most.

But all are not the children of God. Those who have not entered a personal faith relationship with Him are the children of Satan. Now don’t ge all upset at me for saying that. Jesus, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Godhead, God in human flesh said it not me (John 8: 40 and following). I simply reported the facts as they are written. That is my job as a minister of the gospel.

If you were offended, there is probably a good reason. More than likely you don’t enjoy that relationship with God through Christ. You can. That’s the good news. He loves not only His own but also the whole world .

”And he is the propitiation [satisfaction] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the world” (1 John 2:2). “For God so loved the world, that eh gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him [a direct act of faith] should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Jesus said; ”For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man had an hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, doth he not leave the ninty and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” (Matthew 18:11-12).

What was lost? Mankind. Man was lost into sin and spiritual ruin. God sent His Son to seek us out whom He desires to save and secure forever. Only Jesus can save the lost soul; only Jesus can restore broken fellowship; only Jesus can save, secure and satisfy. And He alone is the Soiurce for eternal life. He cares for you. He sees and understands what’s happening. He can help you. He loves you. The next step is up to you. Don’t hestitate!

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