Faith Is the Victory

4/1/1999

I too was once Roman Catholic, have lived in the ugliest of sins, and have also tried many different Christian expressions in a search for the Risen Christ. And there are surely tens of thousands of others that have encountered similar trials. We just always remember the Words of God, “THIS HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!” He will care for His own.

It is also important to realize this:

THE FACT THAT WE CAN EVEN *FEEL* PAIN is *PROOF* that HE HAS NOT LEFT US!!! Sometimes even the PAIN is “Good News” because one truly forsaken—a dead man—can feel no pain! The inward groaning for Reality, the cry of, “How long, how long, oh Lord?” is a mark not of having been forsaken, but of His Loving-kindness still extended towards us.

So, when we feel shame, or pain, or loneliness, or longing? While this is difficult to endure, it at least is a Testimony of His continued Call on our lives. He has not “turned us over” and sent “a powerful delusion so that we believe the lie” if we can still call out for Him, and desire Him. It was not Bartimaeus, the blind man who cried, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” that was truly blind. It was those around Bartimaeus who told him to “forget about it” that were dead and blind. So, be of good cheer! HE has overcome the world. And the government is upon HIS shoulders! And HE is able to present us unspotted before His glorious throne, by heartfelt faith in His Blood. It is sufficient! Agreed?

Our prayer is that you and your family will lay down your lives, daily, for those around you, for He gives to those who give, and the harvest comes to those who selflessly devote themselves that others might have harvest.

Very good to “meet” you André. Take up your cross and let’s finish the course!