I have a very close
friend who’s been like a sister to me. I’ve known her since 7th
grade (almost 46 years now)! We would challenge each other in all our school
activities and we were both really good: we both were outstanding in school and
sports and were very popular, too. We learned to drive about the same time; we
had our first part time jobs during the same summer season; we went to college
together, etc. Then it all changed when I was the first one to take the
commitment of faith and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This was
something she would never understand then (I pray she will one day and be part
of it too)!
“16 but whenever a person turns [in repentance
and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now
the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is
liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].” (3:16-17)
She’d ask: “Why on
earth did you decide to turn your back to our religion?” I explained and
witnessed to her, but she just did not give in.
Things continued changing in our lives: a year
later, I was the first one to marry and move away from home. I kept in touch
with her through mail and we’d eventually call each other. Every time I return
home to visit, we get together and revive those early years of our friendship.
Over the years our friendship has remained, but even though I’ve witnessed to
her she will still ask the same questions:
- What difference does
it make to “have another religion” if the closer you are to God, you and your
family have experienced so many trials?-
Over the years all I
have to say is that our Father has been FAITHFUL and as Paul writes:
“Therefore, since we have this ministry,
just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and
blessings], we do not get discouraged nor lose our
motivation.” (4:1)
Yes, our life as Christians might not be appealing to many, for they
believe we give up much of what this world offers… it is not so!
Our family might not seem successful according to this world’s standards
but we have a hidden treasure (4:6-7) in us and nothing can take it away! God has given us the
light of His knowledge and majesty through Jesus, and we have the
responsibility to let it out. He "shined it in us" so we could
"shine it out" to the world. It is ALL about HIM and for HIM!
Paul preached his
gospel boldly with the power of the Holy Spirit, and he valued the
greatness of his calling, which gave him the courage to face great difficulties
(4:8-11).
“This is a wonderful ministry, Paul reminds us- one that you
are privileged to have because it was given to you by God himself. It is a
magnificent extension of God’s mercy that he allows us to minister to others in
the name of his own son” (iWorship Bible)
Lately my friend has been through trials
and desperation. She even was diagnosed with depression. I praise our Father
for I was able to pray with her and she believed our Father could heal her in
the Name of Jesus… and He did! I know one day He will remove that veil from her
eyes, too!
May we allow God’s light and power to
shine through us today in the attitude and way we serve others. May we rejoice
in the wonderful ministry to which He has called us! (iWorship Bible)
Blessings,
Mari