Hold fast to God! – Sis. Stella Dhinakaran

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
Majority of us today, only keep track of the inadequacies in our lives and give place to depression and meet failures in life. But that is not the way you should live. You should hold fast to our Lord Jesus believing that He is more than sufficient for you in all situations and you should make your prayers and supplications with thanksgivings, to Him. If you do this, you will be victorious in your day-to-day life. We see how Joseph held on to God even amidst his trials. He never gave up on God. We read in the Bible, “no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). God will not test you with trials and temptations more than you can bear.

Nobody could be in a worse scenario than Joseph. He lost all his family and even in his work place he faced false accusations. But he did not become disappointed with God. He continued to hope that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Because he trusted in God he did not give in to depression. He could think about God and fear Him when the temptation came. That Is why he says, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). So the LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered (Genesis 39:2). The same God will prosper you when you hold fast to Him.

There were some youngsters who had studied together during their school years. After completing their schooling, they went to different places to continue their higher studies. During holidays, they used to get together. Among them, there was one youngster, who used to talk too much and tease others and take pleasure in it. But later on, he was a completely changed person. He was calm, full of love and moved closely with all people. The reason for this change was that he had to encounter many losses in his personal life. His father who was looking after their family suddenly passed away and many other problems cropped up one after another and because of all this, he had to stop going to college and start searching for a job to look after his family. But, he could not get any job. All his friends thought, “O what a pity! This is the end. There is going to be only darkness in his life. So sad! We don’t know what he will do?” when he faced trials and tribulations. But, he did not care about all these things. He held fast to the Lord and always sought Him. He learnt to love and trust the Lord Jesus Christ and the Lord was also pleased with him and changed all his difficulties. A man who saw his good qualities gave him a good job in his company. Soon, all his sufferings disappeared and his life began to overflow with joy and peace. God will do the same for you too!

Prayer:
O Precious God!

Let not the afflictions and problems of this world frighten me and make me feel depressed. Grant me the grace to hold fast to You and be filled with Your love and lead a life that is pleasing to You. Let my hope in You be deeply rooted so that I will live for You always. In Jesus’ loving name I pray, O Father, Amen.