Burden or Gift?

Have you ever felt like an outsider because of your faith? Maybe people
judge you, or even avoid you, because you are a Christian. Sometimes, it
feels like having faith is a burden—especially when you’re striving to act
the right way in the midst of temptations and distractions. It’s hard when
others misunderstand you, and even harder when you lose friendships or feel
ostracized by people who don’t share your faith. You might even be
ridiculed for believing in Jesus. You might wonder if you are battling
alone. Be encouraged. You are not on your own. Faith in Jesus is something
to be treasured. Think of the last few years: the terrible pandemic,
floods, forest fires, violence, and the constant disharmony in the broken
world we live in. Through all these events, in the destruction and despair,
I have been reminded that I am blessed to have faith—it really is a
precious gift. If a crisis occurs, I know I have a loving Father who sent
His Son, Jesus, to save us. He has walked the steps of suffering before me.
People opposed Him, misunderstood Him, and ridiculed Him. He endured it all
because He loves us. And He is with me through everything. He is willing to
listen to me, even when friends cannot listen to me because they have their
own tangle of worries knotted up inside them. He provides calm in the chaos
around me. Even though I am a natural-born worrier, and sometimes my
imagination stirs up troublesome thoughts in my mind, I know I can chat
with Jesus and reveal the problems in my heart to Him. There is so much
sadness, hatred, and fear in the world, but through all these terrible
situations, God is there waiting for us, ready to guide us through our
lives when we open our hearts to Him. Faith isn’t a burden, but instead a
precious gift that sets us free. ⦁ Cindy Lee ⦁ Do you ever feel frustrated
when people don’t understand your faith? Jesus understands what you’re
going through. Consider taking a moment to pray for these people and pour
out your heart to Jesus. He loves you, and He always listens. ⦁ Being in
relationship with Jesus means that when you go through hard things, you
will never be alone. It also means that your eternal future is secure
because Jesus has forgiven you. How might these promises give you hope in
the midst of suffering? ⦁ Have you put your trust in Jesus? What questions
do you have? (Find more by checking out the “Know Jesus” page.) God saved
you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it
is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 2:1-Ephesians 2:10