God’s Love and Care In Times Of Difficulty

“Do not be afraid little flock, your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom”

Luke 12:22

During times of crisis and difficulties we often become less aware of God’s love and care for us.  Trusting in our wisdom, resources and strength leaves us physically exhausted, mentally drained and discouraged.

What we need is to be reminded of God’s love and care, especially during these times of uncertainty, (that He is the only certain One. That we are not to focus on the “what” in our situation but on the “who” (Jesus) is in control of the situation).

As Christians we know there is one thing that cannot and will not change and that is God and His Word. 

As we look at Luke 12v1-21, Jesus brings to our attention three fears that will overwhelm us during difficult times in our Christian walk. He says,  It’s the fear of being killed for His name sake, the fear of what we would say or do when we will suffer or be persecuted for His name sake and  the fear of not having enough of life’s necessities food, shelter and clothing.

But in Luke 12v22 it says, “Do not be afraid little flock, your Father is please to give you the kingdom.” Jesus goes to great lengths to assure us that we are not to fear or doubt His love. 

Jesus says, “do not be afraid”, of what? Not to be afraid of trusting Your heavenly Father in difficult situations.  You know we all bring with us misconceptions of our heavenly Father when we came to Christ, that He is angry with us, or doesn’t care because He doesn’t understand us. Or He is trying to catch us in doing wrong so He can put as many ticks against our name, or punishing us for something we did wrong.  Anxieties of pleasing God. Am I doing enough work to please Him?

NO! Not at all is this the character of our heavenly Father that Jesus is portraying or explaining to us. Our heavenly Father loves us so much to send His Son Jesus into our sin sick virus world where death is everywhere without gloves and mask to live among us with no fear of anything and anybody.   

He’s saying “little flock”! You can hear the tenderness and love in these words.  He says “your Father”, a relational Father who desires a relationship with you.  Then He says that He is “pleased” our Father is please to do for us. It pleased Him to bruised His Son Jesus so that we can have  life and life more abundantly.  Then he says “give”, he is showing that our Father loves to give to us.  He is a giving Father.  And what is our Father pleased to give His little flock? “The Kingdom”.  This is an eternal kingdom of His authority which reigns in our heart. A new song, a new love for Him and His Word, new thoughts, new talk, a new creature in Christ. A kingdom in which He meets our needs, a kingdom of protection no evil shall befall you neither shall no plague come near you. A kingdom that nothing shall separate you from the love of our heavenly Father, no trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, danger, or death. A kingdom of security and freedom.

Aren’t you glad that this is what Jesus did for us. Just this month we are reminded of His Death, Burial, and Resurrection.  Don’t be afraid little flock, your Father is pleased to give you this eternal Kingdom to experience living right now. Begin to enjoy your new life in your new kingdom with Jesus.

Let us pray, Father we are so grateful that you went to great pains and lengths to give us your kingdom of righteousness, joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, and you were pleased to give it to us.  You were not grudgingly in giving but you joyfully gave to us your best, Jesus, your Son to bridge the gap between You and mankind. We are at peace with you and no longer an enemy but a friend and child of an eternal kingdom of peace and rest beside quiet waters. We have no need to doubt your love and care, but to trust and follow You.  Thank you Father for your gift of new life.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.