Against All Odds, Never Give Up, Have Your Faith In God

Romans 4:13,16-18
Luke 12:8-12

In today’s first reading, St. Paul in his apostolic letter to the Romans continues his discourse on faith in God.

Abraham became the father of many nations because he trusted in God. God has no favorite but when we strive and persevere in our faith to the end, we will be acknowledged and rewarded by Him. Our faith works hand in hand with our obedience. When the horse receives a bit in his mouth, he acknowledges that it is his master that control his reins and movements. A. W. Pink once said; the more I am occupied with Christ the less I am occupied with myself.To acknowledge the presence of God in one’s life is to realise our nothingness before God. It is through such act of humility, God’s mercy comes to us.

Jesus also told his disciples in today’s gospel that if anyone acknowledges him before men, he will acknowledge him before the angels on judgment day but if he disowns him, he too will disown him before God’s angel. Luke 12:8 and throughout their lives the apostles bore witness to Christ. In Acts 4:13-21, we see the commitment of Peter and John before the Sahendrin. Peter reveals that Jesus is the unstoppable-message giver and he is the message, the good news and the authority they preach. He has puts the message in their hearts as his followers and after his resurrection and ascension that message is simply unstoppable.

This mandate is also given to each of us to carry on, no matter where we find ourselves in life. Are we actively carrying it out? Do we acknowledge Jesus as our lord and saviour before men and in the midst of trials and temptations? We too are the living letters of the gospel today. We too are committed come what may, we will keep going to the end. Not even death can stop us Why? Because we believe in and acknowledge the name of Jesus. Don’t give up your faith in God.

Fr Joseph Osho