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Five Truths to Give Believers Perspective        by Dr. Harlan Betz

1.God is with us!  

Jesus, the Commander of the Lord’s armies, said to Joshua, I will be with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:3-9). The songwriter put it this way: I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind. The God of angel armies is always by my side! If God is for us, who, of any consequence, can be against us? Nothing and no one can separate us from His love (Romans 8:31-39)! God is with us! He will never leave us not forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6)! God is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1)!  

2. God is sovereign! 

God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps on the sea and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill He treasures up His bright designs and works His sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take… the clouds ye so much dread are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face! - William Cowper.  Psalm 115:3; 145:6; Jeremiah 32:17.

3. Trials are inevitable! 

The Bible declares that “All who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).  And as Peter declares, “We should not be surprised when we encounter fiery trials” (1 Peter 4:12). Jesus made it clear that “In this world you will experience trials and troubles! But Jesus also declared that we could be of good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)!

4. We are Ambassadors of Christ!                                                                                       

We are here by God’s appointment… for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Jesus wants us, his followers, to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:15-18). While in the world, he wants us to impact the world We are to be the salt that helps prevent corruption. We are to be the salt that encourages others to thirst for Christ. We are to be the light that helps people walk out of the darkness. We are to be the light that points others to Christ (Matthew 5:13-16)! We are ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We cannot be neutral. If we are not for Christ, we are against Him (Mt 12:30). We must act! Don’t be overcome by evil, but rather, overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)! 

5. We do not need to fear! 

God has not given us the spirit of fear; He has given us dynamic power, devoted love, and disciplined mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Faith drives out fear (Psalm 56:11). An assured victorious outcome drives out fear. Jesus said to his followers, “Let not your hearts be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. I go to My Father’s house to prepare a place for you. I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-6). If our victory was not assured and if our outcome was not certain, we would have reason for fear and wringing of hands and knots in our stomach. But victory is assured, and our future is guaranteed to be glorious! Jesus will return to rule and reign! We’re on the winning side (Revelation 19:11-16)!