Good morning everyone:
Ever have one of those days when you wondered, “Why bother?” A young student tries all week to grasp the concept of multiplication and by Friday it’s still as much a mystery as ever. Back at school Monday morning, he wonders, “Why bother?” After sending out dozens of resumes without a single job offer to show for it, a frustrated, discouraged woman texts a friend: “Why bother?” We’ve all been there. One problem piles on top of another like a chain reaction accident on the freeway. Climb over one obstacle in your path and all you see are more and bigger ones ahead. Why bother?
Satan suggests we should blame God. But far from being the problem, God is the answer. He sent His Son to be the Light of this dark world to shine into our hearts with life and hope. Paul knew more personal tragedy and trials than most of us ever will. Yet he wrote: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8-9).
Why bother going on in the face of so many trials? Paul knew life was not a hopeless trudge to death. He knew his Savior. “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:7). Paul kept his eyes on Christ who came and faced all the same heartaches, burdens, and sadness we do, and came through victorious. He shouldered our guilt and punishment on the cross and died that we might have life to the full.
Why bother living today as a child of God, striving to follow the Lord’s will in words and actions in spite of trials? Why bother showing love and forgiveness toward those who hurt you? Why share the news of a Savior when it seems to have little effect? Because we live in the light of Jesus’ love. Our sins are paid for and gone. Jesus’ victory is ours. He promises: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn. 8:12). In His light every difficulty, no matter how intimidating in our eyes, fades away. Problems become opportunities for His glory to shine all the more!
Tomorrow’s sermon text (Is. 9:1-4) is a bright beam of hope for everyone who wonders, “Why bother?”
The Jr. Choir will sing in first service (warmup at 7:45 a.m.).
The adult choir rehearses at 9:10.
In Jesus’ name,
Pastor
