“Someone once told me in the midst of a very difficult situation, ‘The answer to your problem is not a solution. It’s a person.’ . . . Getting us out of our situation isn’t always the answer. But [Jesus] is always the answer in the midst of it. We need to act like we really believe He’s alive and demonstrating His presence and power in our lives.”- Chip Ingram
“Jesus answered [the Samaritan woman], ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have answered him, and he would have given you living water.’ “- John 4:10 (NIV)
As Chip Ingram moves on in Chapter 6 of I Choose Joy, he observes that many of us expend a great deal of effort trying to avoid our troubles. Because we desperately want to postpone our mortality as long as possible. Certainly, Chip acknowledges, there’s no harm in that. It’s a human response.
But, Pastor Ingram reminds us, we forget that the ‘worst’ thing that happens to us — death — leads to an eternal weight of glory. Where we rejoice with Jesus forever. In addition, Paul understood that the goal of life centered on knowing, enjoying, and serving God — sharing that with as many people as possible during our time on earth. Unlike many people raised in Western civilization.
Therefore, Chip explains:
“Everything in life revolves around something. . . . Electrons revolve around the nucleus of an atom, and planets revolve around a star. Our lives as human beings revolve around whatever we’ve chosen as our center . . . some defining anchor point. But we’re designed to revolve around God, and anything else throws life of sync with His purpose.”
In conclusion, Chip states, Christianity represented more that just a religion to Paul. It wasn’t about living a good life through following certain principles. Or adhering to a moral code. Instead, believing in Jesus formed a life-transforming relationship and a deeper connection with God.
Today’s question: How do you witness to others that Jesus is the answer to your problems? Please share.
Coming Monday: the October Short Meditation, “Unnumbered comforts to my soul”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Our vantage point – unseen realities”