Can you believe it, its nearly the end of 2024. I don’t know about you, but this year has been a very challenging year for me and my family. Maybe it is still very challenging for you as you read this newsletter.
Maybe you feel lost, broken and useless. Maybe 2024 has been a year of health challenges, financial troubles, work problems, marital issues or family conflict. Maybe all these things, or others, brought you to the point of feeling hopeless and to a point where you just want to give up.
My brother and sister in Christ, if you are going into the Christmas season with these challenges and feelings, do know that you are not alone. Many people all over the world is going through this stuff, some even worst.
Now there is good news and bad news, and with the bad news comes good news. Let me start with the bad news. If you are not in a relationship with Jesus, then you are in trouble. You see, when we face life’s challenges, and we are not in a relationship with Jesus, then we turn to the world for answers and guidance.
The problem here is that the world does not offer real solutions, so when we face so much that we get to a point where we cannot go on anymore, we turn to alcohol, to drugs or so many other things that are bad for us. Some even turn to suicide, as they feel that it is the only way to get rid of the problems, the hardship.
The good news is that turning to Jesus, accepting Him into your life, can make all the difference. I am not saying that following Jesus prevent challenges, nor am I saying that it will take it away, but having Jesus in your life will help you get through them.
You see, when the world comes down on you, throwing everything at you, you can turn to Jesus for help, guidance, hope and a future. This means that you don’t need to turn to sin or commit suicide. Ask anyone who lives with Jesus, and they will tell you that even in hardship, we get the power to deal with it and get through it.
Now, for those who already walk with Jesus, here is YOUR good news. I want to remind you that not a single one of your problems are bigger than God. Sometimes we feel that it is impossible to reach the other side, that we will never make it, but my brother and sister in Christ, you will, no matter how long it takes. Victory will be yours!
Think about Moses, and what he went through in the desert, yet God was there for him. Think about what Joshua went through and how God dried up the Jordan for him. Think about Job, oh my word, Job. He went through so much, yet God helped him through it and gave him so much more than he had. Think about David, think about Paul, and so many others. In all of these instances, God was there, and He saved them.
My brother and sister in Christ, we are serving the SAME God that they did, a God of possibilities, a God who gave His one and only Son to save us. Jesus is always with us, even when we think He is not, even though it feels like He abandoned us. I want you to read this well-known poem:
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”
He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
Hallelujah! You see, you are not alone! When you think you are alone, when you think Jesus left you, then it is not YOU walking, it is Jesus who carries you. Without Him in your challenge, you would not be able to stand, you will not be able to get through it. Let Jesus carry you all the way until He knows that you are strong enough to handle it on your own. Just keep the faith until you get there and continue to put your hope in Him.
As we are approach Christmas, and while many will go on holiday, take this time to reflect on your life and your relationship with Jesus. Use this time to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and focus on the good, focus on what you achieved, what you received and how blessed you are. If you reflect, you will see it! Be grateful, thankful and full of hope of the future.
May you all have a blessed Christmas
Jaco van As
Managing Director
Jesus to my Rescue Ministries
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