There’s a lot going on in the world today! The struggle is real! It can be overwhelming and all-consuming. You want to think the best (and we should) but each day brings new concerns. Let me make two pleas to you, 1: Don’t allow your faith to fail, and 2: Don’t place your hope in man, place your hope in the Sovereign Lord of the Universe.

No matter what anyone believes, no matter how much power or influence they may wield, the hand that holds the sword, or signs with the pen was created by God. He alone is the author and “super-ruler” of all mankind. “Jesus, the Son, is the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities,” Colossians 1:15-17.

Everybody, even loved ones, are imperfect…just like you. We all fall short of the glory of God at one time or another. We all have good days and bad. We will all make good choices and bad choices. What is most important is that we forgive and live on! Remember Jesus has forgiven us time after time after time! He never grows weary or casts us away for our infractions, disappointments, iniquities and transgressions. Show your gratitude by loving others and spreading the love of Jesus.

You may want to lock yourself away but don’t lock up — look up! When the pressure is on, don’t look down — look in. Pick up God’s Word and look in the pages for what you need. Find answers to all your concerns. Find wisdom to discern, to grow, to encourage others. Find rest for your weary soul. Find direction for where you need to go. Find reasons for why you are living. Find why we should have gratitude in giving. Find confidence that you can do all things you put your mind to with Christ’s power. Find peace that transcends all understanding. Find joy, unspeakable joy. Find grace that is amazing. Find mercy that is limitless. Find you are loved unconditionally. Jesus’ love is so unfathomable that He gave His life for ours so that everyone who believes in Him can live. Jesus’ love saves eternally!

Be “Influencers for Jesus,” telling others Jesus is our Deliverer; He is near. In the meantime, be God’s ambassadors reaching out to show His unconditional, unshakable, undiscriminating, undeniable love to everyone. Live on! Love on!