QKAG: Issue # 55

PAST ISSUE # 55
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: How come my life gets worse after becoming a Christian?

Answer:
There are many reasons why it seems our lives get worse after accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. One of the reasons is that Satan is furious and jealous of us becoming children of light (Ephesians 5:8). Satan will do everything in his limited power to harm us and cause us to lose faith in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). He will cause us to be sick, lose our love ones and friends, and many more (Job 2:3-7). But, Christians should not be afraid of Satan's ploys because he can never take our inheritance of eternal life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).
In actuality, our outlook of life after accepting Jesus Christ should be better. The physical circumstances around us may get worse but our perception should be positive. In our sufferings, we should be joyful of knowing that God will always love us and His salvation for us is assured in Christ Jesus (Deuteronomy 31:6; Romans 8:1-2, 39; 2 Thessalonians 2:16).

Key Bible verses:
Psalm 23; Matthew 5:11; 1 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 10:33; 1 Peter 5:10

My views:
I know that God sometimes allow sufferings to happen in my life so as to make me stronger and wiser. For example, a rose bush which has not been pruned by the gardener will probably grow in a disorderly and unattractive manner. But a rose bush which has been pruned will grow beautifully and abundantly. This is similar to our life in Christ. God sometimes "prunes" us so as to make us grow well (Hebrews 12:6). The pruning process may hurt in the short-term but it is for our own well-being in the long-term.
I know that God is still pruning me to be the person He wants me to be. When the sun gets to hot or the wind too strong, I know that He will be there to shelter me (Psalm 18:2). When the water has dried up, I know that He will quench my thirst (John 4:13-14). When pests attacks me, I know that He will protect me (Deuteronomy 33:27). And when the time comes, I know that He will be there welcoming me in His paradise.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I thank You for giving me the hope of Your promise and glory. I thank You for the privilege of suffering for Your sake. I thank You for continuing to bless and sustain me in all of my needs. Truly, in my weakness, Your power is made perfect, and Your grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 2:19). Lord Jesus, please forgive me when I have complained and grumbled about my sufferings. I know that my sufferings cannot be compared to the agony and humiliation of the Cross You have endured for me. Help me to be strong and faithful in my sufferings. Help me to rely on Your strength and love when I am weak and unloved. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Worship:
Click here to sing along to "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus"

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
his army shall he lead,
till every foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor's song.
To those who vanquish evil
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.

Last words...
"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:3)
Next