Each of us must ask ourselves what we want out of life—a fundamental question whose answer is often simpler than we realize, yet it requires us to dig a little deeper to uncover. Our spiritual teachers and mentors guide us to trust that Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer, a truth more profound than our very existence. However, understanding the enormous treasure of all the ways in which he is indeed the answer to all our questions requires more of us. God tells us in Proverbs 4:7 to seek the wisdom of His Word and do all we can to understand it. If navigating all of life’s challenges with clarity and purpose is our goal, we must aspire to walk wisely and know Jesus Christ as deeply as we can.
Our faith in God
Using simplicity and authority, Jesus Christ said to the disciples in Mark 11:22 (NLT), “Have faith in God.” You don’t get any plainer than this, and this command is deeply embedded in the foundation of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11:6 (NLT), God’s Word tells us “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” These verses emphasize the fundamental truth that faith is not just a belief but an active trust and confidence in God’s existence and His promises. It’s the rock-solid foundation of our faith journey in Christ. Faith shapes our understanding of God’s character and demonstrates our reliance on His guidance in every aspect of our lives.
Our faith in God is the bedrock upon which every ounce of fulfillment, purpose, and contentment is gained. When we’re struggling in our minds to make sense of why we find ourselves in disappointment and despair, Jesus Christ is the answer. When we feel like we’re trapped in nothingness and can’t see any meaning in life; Jesus Christ is the answer. And when we’re bombarded with problems and feeling isolated and alone; Jesus Christ is the answer for all that ails us. We can be confident that whenever life feels as though it’s in the pits, even the smallest step toward improvement begins with having faith in God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We must believe in the sacrifice and resurrection of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Crist, and we must believe that through him, we are saved. We are empowered and victorious, and not only this, but God has a plan and purpose for our lives. As we walk in His plan and purpose, we see His blessings beautifully unfold.
Our purpose in His plan
Romans 8:29 (NLT) explains: “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” Our Heavenly Father has foreknowledge, and this doesn’t only mean that He knows about everything beforehand; He has ordained and ordered all that exists. He not only knows how the pieces come together, He is indeed the Creator of all the pieces, and causes them to fit together according to the purpose of His own Will. Romans 8:30 (NLT) reaffirms this truth, stating: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Therefore, every believer can be encouraged in knowing that God has a predetermined, perfect plan for each person who turns to Him in faith. This knowledge is profoundly comforting and assures us that His purpose for our lives is ultimately for our highest good in every possible way.
The definition of misery is attempting to live according to our own agendas. When we stray away from God’s purpose, we find ourselves in barren places. But pursuing God’s purpose by following the example of Christ is the path of life. While switching from what we know to a mindset of faith may seem daunting, the reality is that changing course is not just possible but inevitable for those seeking a relationship with God through Christ.
Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew 6:33 (NLT): “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Home base for us is God’s Kingdom. It’s making His Will our highest priority and seeking it with all that we are. This is a literal shift in the way that we see our lives and our approach to them.
Many of us are struggling with deep dissatisfaction. We might feel trapped in a prison of sameness and sadness, but there is hope if we’ll reach out and grab it. The truth of Matthew 6:33 challenges us to examine our priorities, and if they’re not aligned with God’s purpose, we desperately need to make a shift in our minds and hearts. Although we cannot perceive him with our physical eyes, we must summon the courage to wholeheartedly place our faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He’s the answer! Following his example and surrendering to his guidance along the path of God’s purpose opens the door to profound transformation. As we fix our gaze on Jesus, all the pieces of our lives fall into place, bringing fulfillment and contentment according to God’s perfect plan. ■
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Jesus Christ Is the Answer”, written by Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.