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Journey of Joy: Questions and Answers Read and respond to these questions online at http://www.journeyofjoy.com/questions/index2.html
How can I find purpose in my life? Imagine for a moment that you're building a house. You hire a building contractor, but he never consults the blueprints drawn up by your architect, your designer. He works without a plan. An unwise move--because the contractor needs to know where to lay the foundation, erect the walls and place the windows. Only then will the home look the way it was intended. The same can be said of life. How can we try to build our life without first consulting the great architect of life, the one who created us for a wonderful purpose? The Bible says, "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" (Romans 8:28). Furthermore, there is more to be gained by living according to God's plan. True fulfilment and meaning in life is found in God. That's why the philosopher St. Augustine said centuries ago, "You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you." By asking Jesus--God's son--to be the biggest part of your life, you will discover the very purpose for which God created you. There is no thing and no one else who can do this--no religion, no philosophy, no person. Just Jesus. He said of himself, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). How can I have peace? Perhaps right now you're experiencing fears and frustrations in your life. Maybe you're worried about your job, relationships, finances or children. You are not alone. Most everyone has similar problems. And trusting in God--being a Christian--doesn't exempt you. You'll not suddenly live a problem-free life. Tough times happen to all people. But Jesus gives strength and peace in each difficulty. He says, "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid" (John 14:27). Jesus also says in the Bible, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
How can I deal with past mistakes? Let's face it. We all mess up. We all do things we shouldn't. Tell lies. Steal office supplies. Say things we're sorry about later. Spread bad rumours. Swear at other drivers. And we all carry attitudes. We think we're better than others and often care only for ourselves. All of these wrong actions, harsh words and bad attitudes are what the Bible labels as sin. Now that's not a pleasant word to hear nowadays. We'd all like to think we're pretty good people. Yet it's our human nature to sin. To go our own way. To do our own thing. No matter how good we think we are, our sin stands between us and God. All people fall short of his perfect standard (Romans 3:23) and this keeps us from personally knowing God's love. The great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi said, "It is constant torture to me that I am still so far from God whom I know to be my very life and being. I know it is my own wretchedness and wickedness that keeps me from him." There is good news though. Jesus has taken care of our sins. His death on the cross some 2,000 years ago paid for the penalty of our sin, just so we could have a right relationship with God and experience his love. Because of Jesus, we can be forgiven of all our shortcomings, our mistakes, our sins. He alone can pardon us, and fulfil God's justice. Think of it this way. A young woman is given a speeding ticket and goes before a judge. After the charge is read, he gives the sentence. A $150 fine. But the woman is unable to pay. Then the judge, in an unusual move, comes down from the bench, opens his wallet and offers to pay the fine. It's up to the woman to accept or reject the generous offer. The story illustrates what Jesus has done for us. He knows our sin, yet when we stand humbly before him, he is willing to forgive our debt completely. Jesus offers us his free gift of grace. We just need to accept and receive it. How can I really change? Often when men and women are faced with the person of Jesus, they say something like this: "I'd like to follow Jesus, but if I do, I'm sure I'll never be able to live the life. I've made mistakes, I carry resentments, I face temptations, and I say a lot of things I shouldn't. I could never live the Christian life." In fact, they're right. No matter how good you are, you can't live the Christian life on your own. When you become a Christian, you ask Jesus to live in and through you--so it's no longer what you do, but what Jesus does that gives you the power to change. He's the one who gives you the ability to live a new life, to start over again.
Your response What can Jesus do for you? He can give purpose and meaning to your life. He can grant you peace throughout your day. He can wipe away all your sin, and give you forgiveness. And he can empower you to change. By accepting and believing in Jesus, you will begin to discover God's best for your life.
Email your questions or responses to info@womentodaymagazine.com or your can mail us at: Women Today Online, Journey of Joy 20385-64 Ave., Langley, British Columbia, Canada V2Y 1N5. We will be happy to send you a free copy of the Bible and other resources that will help you grow as a Christian. We look forward to hearing from you. |
Consider
Catriona LeMay Doan. At the 1994 Winter Olympics, she was poised to
do her best in the 500-metre speedskating race. But she caught an edge,
fell and lost the race. That disappointment crushed her confidence,
and it made her question why she was so unhappy. Some time later, she
discovered Jesus could give her the contentment she was longing for.
And how does this fact affect the Olympian now? "No matter how
I do, Jesus has given me a peace about my sport," says Catriona.
"He's always going to be with me to direct me in my life."
That's
exactly what Kelita found out. As a travelling musician, she lived a
wild life on the road, a life much different than what she wanted. One
day, after surviving a car accident, she realized she needed to change
her lifestyle. Kelita turned her life over to Jesus and asked him to
help her. He did. "As I gave the pain of my life to him,"
she says, "he healed my heart, and showed he loves me." |
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