Christ Will Rescue You

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Our Victory Comes from God

Our Heavenly Father is the true Source of love. 1 John 4:8 (NLT) tells us, “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” This truth is not just a statement of what He does; it’s a declaration of His very nature. Every act of His is an expression of His pure, unconditional, and powerful love. When we understand this, we can be confident that His purpose for our lives is deeply rooted in His desire for us to live fully through His love. This isn’t just a call to love others, but to first experience and embrace His love in all its fullness by following the example of Jesus Christ.

However, when we stray from the path of God’s love, we open ourselves up to feelings of abandonment, emotional trauma, and hopelessness. These painful experiences often arise when we try to navigate life without fully relying on our Heavenly Father’s love. He has designed life in such a way that everything in the universe partners with our efforts to fulfill His call. But, when we stray from His purpose, resources dwindle, confusion replaces clarity, relationships suffer, people turn against us, and our well-being is threatened. While these challenges may seem to be attacks from the enemy, it’s important to recognize that not every painful situation originates from him. Sometimes, the struggle is the result of our own choices. When we try to control our lives and go our own way, we’re playing a very dangerous game. Stepping outside of God’s Will and love invites consequences we won’t like, and often it takes a while for us to learn this lesson.

In James 1:14-15 (NLT), it says, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” It’s no secret that some of us choose to be in relationships with individuals that God didn’t ordain. We jumped in, not realizing their dysfunction or the impact they’d have on ours. Make no mistake, Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that the devil is in the earth to kill, steal, and destroy, but some of our struggles arise from our own sinful decisions and desires. When we allow these temptations to lead us away from God’s love—when we don’t trust that His Will is best for us—we face the consequences of those poor choices. But even then, God doesn’t leave us on our own. He wants us to reach out to Him for help.

It’s easy to get stuck in a negative cycle, where troubling consequences seem to follow us from one moment to the next. It can feel like no matter how hard we try we can’t catch a break. These challenges can linger, wearing us down, until we finally wake up and realize that Jesus Christ is the answer. He is the one who offers us a way out of the cycle of pain and despair. He’s calling us to walk more fully in His love—because in His love, we find healing, purpose, and freedom.

Jesus is inviting us to embrace all that God has in store for our lives, and that starts with a change of heart. Repentance is more than just saying “sorry”, it’s a genuine shift in our thinking and actions. It’s turning away from the things that keep us trapped and choosing to walk in alignment with God’s Will. Repentance is a necessary step in restoring our fellowship with the Father. It opens the door for us to experience His grace and love in a fresh way, allowing us to move forward with a renewed spirit and a clear sense of purpose.

A lot of us struggle with accepting the truth that where we are right now might be the result of decisions we've made in the past. When we fail to seek God first, it can lead to serious setbacks—setbacks we often don’t fully realize until the dust has settled. That’s why it’s so important to check in with the Father before making big choices. His wisdom is what keeps us grounded and helps us stay on a safe path. Taking the time to seek His guidance not only protects us but prevents us from wandering off course.

Take the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 18. King Ahab of Israel asks Jehoshaphat to join him in battle, and Jehoshaphat responds agreeably, but then wisely adds in 2 Chronicles 18:3 (NLT), “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.”What stands out about Jehoshaphat is that he had a habit of consulting God before making decisions; we have a responsibility to do the same. His heart was devoted to God, and because of this, the Lord blessed him with wealth, honor, and success. Even when he made the difficult decision to partner with King Ahab and go to war, he didn’t just rush in. He sought God’s Will first, and God protected him in this dangerous situation. God did this for Jehoshaphat, and we can trust that He will do the same for us.

When our decisions lead to struggle, God doesn’t leave us to deal with them on our own. Whether you’re facing the pain of a divorce, the heartbreak of a lost relationship, or the scars left by emotional or physical abuse—God is your rock. He is your refuge, your comfort, and your strength in times of distress.

The psalmist wrote in Psalm 62:2,7-8 (NLT), “He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” This is such a beautiful reminder of God’s protection and guidance when we’re facing tough times, reassuring us of where our true healing comes from. The Word of God is infinitely more than just a book; it’s life to us! It’s our most valuable resource. Not only does it show us how to live victorious and God-honoring lives, but it also gives us practical wisdom for a safe and secure life here on earth. When we choose to live outside of God’s principles, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy, who will take any chance he gets to pull us down.

Whatever the reason for the struggle, God’s promise is clear: He is with us and will help us to be victorious. But we have a part to play in this as well. We must repent, stay vigilant to Christ’s example, and guard the Word of God in our hearts and minds. Even in the darkest times, remember that you are never alone. God is always with you, and your victory is found in Him alone. ■

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.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

The Strategy of God’s Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul shared a personal experience about struggling with a “thorn in the flesh”, a hardship sent by the devil to hinder his work for Christ. Paul sought the Lord three times, and this verse tells us God’s response: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” As many of us might imagine, the response Paul received may not have been the one he expected. He probably wanted God to remove the struggle or the source of it, but as we learn in life, Heavenly Father doesn’t always do this. His grace is our strategy for overcoming adversity and obstacles, and it is a spiritual powerhouse that never fails.

Significant relationships in our modern times can be complicated and emotionally exhausting. They can cause the kind of perpetual discomfort and struggle that Paul talks about. Sometimes the dysfunction in the individuals that we attach ourselves to overwhelms us. It weaves a web, and our desire to be loved leads us into it. When things first started, perhaps we thought we could handle it or maybe the darkness did not come to light until it was too late. Whatever the case, our hearts can lead us astray and our emotions don’t always inform us of danger.

When we face these challenges in our relationships, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, like we’re tangled in a web we can’t get out of. But through Christ, we’ve been given the authority and power to handle any adversity, even when it feels like we're at our weakest. Ephesians 6:10 (NLT) reminds us: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Our strength to handle adversity doesn’t come from our own abilities. God is the Source of all power and strength, so we can’t lean on our own fragile emotions or wisdom. Instead, we must depend on the infinite power that comes from our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 40:29 (NLT) echoes this truth: “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” As our Source of strength, especially when we feel weak or powerless, we should also remember that God is compassionate towards us, and He empowers those who are struggling. In all situations, this is where we need to apply our faith. Whether we're facing physical exhaustion, emotional battles, or spiritual challenges, God offers us the strength we need to endure and overcome.

Having received the strategy of overcoming through God’s grace, notice how Paul responds in 2 Corinthians 9. He’s glad to boast about his weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through him. This, too, is an essential part of this strategy of grace. We must allow our dependence on ourselves to decrease, making room for God's strength to be made perfect in our weakness.

Key also is our genuine desire to get untangled and be free. It may seem hard to believe, but sometimes we allow ourselves to remain in situations that are far from ideal, and far from where we envisioned ourselves, because something in those circumstances feeds a part of us. Perhaps we’re insecure and clinging to a relationship, a job, or a familiar pattern, because we haven't yet cultivated the level of trust in God that we need. We might say we want our lives to be unencumbered by darkness, yet we continue to gravitate toward it.

Many of us fall into the trap of desiring freedom while still holding on to what we know, even when it’s holding us back. We must pray and ask Lord to help us break free of any mental and emotional stronghold. As His Word reminds us in Romans 12:2 (NLT), “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” When our minds are renewed, and we are seeking God with all our hearts, we can embrace the true freedom that He has given us through Jesus Christ.

The desire to get untangled is a desire for God to step in and intervene, understanding that He wants us to be free from darkness entirely. It’s an invitation for His grace to enter into any mess and bring order, healing, and transformation. This is what He offers us through His beloved Son, and it is only through Jesus Christ that we find true release from the burdens that weigh us down. John 8:36 (NLT) tells us: “So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

When facing troubling circumstances, it can be very challenging to let go of the need to control. Our first instinct may not be to invite God’s power to take over, but this is necessary if we want His grace to be front and center. It doesn't just lift us out of our troubles; God’s grace empowers us to walk through them with the courage, peace, and confidence of Jesus Christ. We may not understand why certain things happen or why we face specific struggles, but we can rest in the assurance that God’s grace is sufficient. His power works best in our weakness, and when we trust this, we will overcome every adversity and obstacle by trusting Him with our whole hearts. ■

“The Strategy of God’s Grace”, written by Kim for https://rescuefromdomesticviolence.blogspot.com© 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Keep a Grip on Hope

Lamentations 3:55–57 (NLT)
“But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, ‘Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!’ Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.’”

“Get me out of this!”
That was the only prayer I could manage in one of the darkest moments of my life. A failed relationship had left me broken—and if I’m being real, I probably should’ve seen it coming. I ignored every red flag and caution light because when youth, immaturity, and a desperate need for attention collide, it’s easy to fall for the wrong person and even easier to fall apart afterward.

He was a charming bodybuilder, the kind who knew exactly what to say and when to say it. He gave me the affection I was starving for, and before I knew it, I was all in. But the truth is, not every connection is a covering. And not every relationship is from God.

Looking back, I realize I can’t even blame him for the crash—I knew better. I just didn’t do better. My grandmother used to say, “A hard head makes a soft behind.” I never liked hearing it as a child, but I’ve come to understand what she meant. When you’ve been warned, taught, or told what’s wise, and you still choose the opposite—well, that’s on you.

Romans 1:22 (NLT) sheds light on this truth: “Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.”
That was me. Thinking I knew better, thinking I was in control, thinking I could handle it. But wisdom isn’t about what you know in your head—it’s about what you apply to your life. And the only way to gain real wisdom is to be rooted in God’s Word.

For a long time, I thought that accepting Jesus Christ as Lord would exempt me from pain and struggle. But life taught me otherwise. And more importantly, the Word of God showed me that tribulation builds character. That storms can produce strength. That even in the pit, God is close.

He tells us over and over again to be strong and courageous. And if you’re not already? Life will train you. Trials will either break you or build you—and with God, they always build.

I’ve heard people say, “Things can’t get any worse.” But Lamentations 3:30 (NLT) reminds us, “Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies.” Why? Because the worst is never the worst when God is in it. He will not leave you. He will not forsake you. And He will not leave you defenseless.

When life throws you hard things—loss, heartbreak, rejection, failure—you need to know you’re not going through it alone. That kind of confidence in God’s presence can change how you suffer. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it gives it purpose. And it gives you peace.

So hold on. Keep your grip on hope. You may be in the pit, but you’re not staying there. Cry out to God. He hears you. He’s coming close. And He’s already saying, “It’s going to be all right.”

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Jesus Christ is the Door

When family, friends, and those you once trusted turn on you, it’s easy to feel utterly abandoned. Lately, a friend of mine has been facing this harsh reality, feeling as if the world is caving in around her. “I can’t trust anyone anymore!” she says. Sadly, this sense of uncertainty is not unique to her. For many born-again believers today, the very foundation we once relied on—our relationships, jobs, and self-confidence—feels increasingly shaky. Some of these things are beginning to crumble, and we’re tempted to let them affect our faith. Christians who once declared their love for the Lord are now questioning His love for them. They’re losing focus and not as committed to God as they once were, but this is a mistake. We should never allow anything in this world to deter us from trusting God wholeheartedly and fulfilling His purpose.

Our Lord and Savior warned us of how difficult things would become in the last days. In Matthew 10:21-22 (NLT), he said, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father will betray his own child. Children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” This is happening everywhere, just as he foretold.

Even so, we must not lose hope. Our Lord took every obstacle we could ever face and overcame it on the cross. Jesus Christ knows all that’s happening to us. He said in Revelation 3:7-8(NLT) “This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open. “I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close.”” He has clearly explained in this passage that only he holds our tomorrows. Only he opens and closes doors for us. He said in John 10:9 (NKJV), “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is the only way to find safety and fulfillment, and through him, we can experience a life of freedom, security, and peace, despite any condition or circumstance we face.

We cannot allow our behavior to suggest that following the world is the answer. The world’s foundation is weak, and it can never yield the fulfillment, purpose, and peace that comes from aligning our lives with the example of Christ. He’s the Door! Through him, we can walk into the breakthrough and opportunities we’re praying to receive. When we place our trust in him, we tap into the Source of our strength and confidence. The world has nothing that compares to this—nothing that brings lasting peace, true purpose, or the security of knowing we are firmly rooted in His love.

Feeling alone and rejected, many of us listen to the adversary when he whispers that we’re nothing, and that we are unworthy of God’s blessings. In those moments, we can spiral into deeper despair, thinking that we don’t have an escape and that God has abandoned us. But our Heavenly Father will never do this. He promises in Hebrews 13:5 (NLT), “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” His love is constant and unfailing, and He is always near, even when we cannot feel His presence.

There are no words to describe how difficult life can be at times, especially when we feel that no one understands our pain. It’s challenging to rise above it all when we really don’t feel like it, but we can’t allow our emotions to dictate our actions and behaviors during these times. If we do, we might do something that isn’t wise, loving, or advantageous to our lives. The best possible strategy is to lean on God’s grace. Through the Apostle Paul, He tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT), “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” God's grace is sufficient, and in our weakest moments, His power is made perfect.

Our Heavenly Father’s plans for us are filled with hope, and His timing is perfect. With absolute certainty, we can trust that we are cherished, worthy, and deeply loved by Him. God tells us in His Word that Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son and our beloved Savior, is the door to all that He has in store for us. Jesus declared in John 14:6 (NLT), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Don’t allow despair to cause you to look for comfort and restoration anywhere else. Only Jesus Christ can lead us to victory, and he will lift us higher as we lean totally on his guidance and trust that he is the way through every trial, and the path to our healing and breakthrough. ■