Do We REALLY Believe

That Jesus is THE Answer?

So much time is spent discussing any number of topics in Christianity.  Yet, most of the books in the Christian section of the bookstore can be replaced with one word.  Even though we may say we believe it, do we really believe that Jesus is the answer?

What is the answer to a troubled marriage? Jesus.

What is the answer to lack of finances?  Jesus.

What is the answer to children gone astray?  Jesus.

What is the answer to sin?  Jesus.

What is the answer to sickness?  Jesus.

How do you succeed in life?  Jesus.

How do we overcome fear?  Jesus.

How do we witness to others?  Jesus.

Am I sounding redundant here?  I don't mean to...or maybe I do.  I just happen to know and to believe that every situation in the world has but one remedy: to know and be known by Jesus Christ.

There is a couple I know in marriage ministry and sometimes they will generically share some of the issues they are addressing in Christian marriages.  I tell you that 99.9% of the time, the issue is that the persons involved are not looking to Jesus.

Instead of asking Jesus for light in the situation, they are wrapped up in how they "feel" about it.

Instead of running to Jesus for what to do, they run for the opinion of man.

Instead of being a disciple of Christ (denying themselves), they seek to be exalted in the relationship.

Instead of going to their knees in prayer for their spouse, they are looking to be vindicated as being "right".

Once we understand that Jesus is the answer to our issues, then that cuts down on a whole lot of talking and a whole lot of foolishness.  What good is there spending so much time trying to psycho-analyze the flesh?  Such has no benefit for the Body of Christ.  In every situation, our first question should be, "What does the word of God say?"  If our quest does not start here, then we will simply wind up circling in the wilderness of our own minds.

And if the word is at odds with our personal stance in the matter, then we must change.  A lot of time, all of the "talking" about a situation is merely our efforts to run from what we know God has commanded us to do about it anyway.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..." Acts 17:28a

Jesus is the essence of our very existence.  He created us.  He knows our needs.  He even knows our hearts better than we do ourselves.  If we just lean upon Him, He will never fail us.  It is only when we lean to our own devices or man's understanding that we fall short.

Remember that Jesus is the answer for every need and concern you have.  While we can surely go to our brothers and sisters for counsel, make sure that the foundation of all advice is in God's word.  Trust Him and go to Him first with the burdens on your heart.  It is Jesus - His life, His power, and His love - that we need so desperately in this hour.