Daily Devotional for July 12, 2021
No More Troubles?
The man in the video waved his arms as he spoke. “Do you have health problems or money problems? Do you want to get rid of your troubles? Just have faith in Jesus!” he shouted. “He’ll take all your troubles away.”
When the video ended, Emery went next door to take out her neighbor’s trash. Mrs. Koning used a cane and couldn’t wheel the garbage can to the curb herself.
When she arrived, Emery found Mrs. Koning struggling to put a large bag in the bin. “Here, let me get it,” Emery said, opening the lid and dropping the bag inside.
“Thank you, dear,” said Mrs. Koning. “I thought I could do it myself, but I forgot how much this cane gets in the way!”
Emery glanced at her neighbor’s cane. “Mrs. Koning? You…you trust in Jesus, don’t you?”
Mrs. Koning smiled. “I certainly do, Emery.”
“Well, I just saw this video online where a preacher said all your troubles will be gone if you have faith in Jesus. So why do you still need a cane?”
“God is powerful enough to heal me,” Mrs. Koning replied. “But Jesus never promised all my troubles would go away if I followed Him.”
“But that preacher said you would be well!” Emery insisted. “And rich too, if you have faith.”
“He may say that, but the Bible doesn’t,” said Mrs. Koning.
Emery frowned. “It doesn’t?”
Mrs. Koning shook her head. “The Bible doesn’t promise good physical health and lots of money to those who trust in Jesus. Some Christians may have one or both of those things, but others don’t. What it does promise is life with Jesus.” She smiled at Emery. “Being a Christian doesn’t mean you’ll have smooth sailing through life. In fact, Jesus tells us we’ll experience troubles in this world like He did, but He promises He’ll help us through them and will never leave us. Because He suffered and died on a cross to save us, we’ll never be separated from Him. That’s the hope He offers—not money or physical health, but eternal life with Him, and His promise to one day get rid of sin, sickness, and death for good.”
“Ohhh,” said Emery. “Somebody should tell that preacher!”
Mrs. Koning chuckled. “I think you’re right.” -Carolyn E. Yost
How about you?
Have you heard that God wants Christians to have lots of money and be in perfect physical health? Some Christians may have those things, but others don’t. Either way, health and wealth in this life are not what Jesus promises those who trust in Him. What He promises is that He will always be with us and take care of all our needs. He promises to give us strength when we face troubles in this world. He promises us eternal life with Him. Trust Him to keep His promises.
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