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By Marc Choi, Senior Pastor, New Jersey Onnuri Church
Photo Credits: Getty Images
In life's journey, unexpected significant challenges often arise. In such times, people commonly exhibit three behaviors: complaint, regret, and surrender. These reactions can often make the escape from these challenges even more difficult. As difficulties transform into pain, and then fear, one's mind and thoughts may become shackled as if trapped in a prison without bars.
However, the Bible presents an example of individuals who, despite being physically imprisoned, were freer and more joyful than anyone else. Paul and Silas, while spreading God’s message, were beaten and thrown into prison. Yet, they praised God and prayed late into the night, experiencing God's miraculous salvation.
Paul and Silas believed in God’s guidance and preached the gospel according to His will. Unjustly beaten and imprisoned, they faced incomprehensible situations but refused to hastily understand everything. Instead, they trusted in and depended on the great and mighty God, praying fervently. Consequently, God assured them of His presence. At moments of hardship and difficulty, knowing that God is with us offers unparalleled comfort and strength. Those who seek and rely on God obtain unspeakable solace through His presence.
Though physically imprisoned, Paul and Silas enjoyed genuine freedom. Despite being shackled, their spirits remained unbound. In the dark, confined space, their hearts praised the glory of God spanning the universe, boundlessly free. We gain freedom from our problems by focusing on Almighty God rather than ourselves. By shifting our gaze to God and relinquishing our strength, we achieve true freedom from the non-essential.
While praying and praising God, Paul and Silas witnessed the miraculous opening of the prison doors due to a sudden earthquake. God is omnipotent. What may be a problem for us poses no issue for Him. Therefore, God becomes the key to all our life's problems. No one can open what God closes, and no one can shut what He opens. May all of you experience the miraculous 'open doors' in your life by seeking and asking God amid your troubles.
The Bible states that God wishes for us to seek and find Him, as He is not far from each of us:
"From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:26-27)
As we embark on 2020, I bless you to find God, even more so amidst hardships. In His presence, His freedom, and the 'open doors' He provides, may you witness the new works of God. Love and blessings to you all.
Marc Choi
Senior Pastor, New Jersey Onnuri Church
Director, Onnuri Mission America (OMA)
Director, Tiran Mission America (TIMA)
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