Hold on to Confidence

Have you ever felt like a “Job”? Everything is against you? Life seems to be at a dead end. Dreams crushed, hopes dashed, living a nightmare! This was the life of Job, a real life character from the Bible. He had it made. Then, in a short time, everything came crashing down around him. His friends, his wife, and his detractors all called on him to give up on God, his faith, and life itself. Here is what he said:

‘Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands? 15  Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. 16  Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare come before him! 17  Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say. 18  Now that I have prepared my case, I know I will be vindicated.” Job 13:14-18 (NIV)

His question in verse 14 is a good one, and asked by many when faced with a challenge that has a potential for destruction, loss of reputation, or even death. Truth is we will all at various times face temptations of compromise, experience feelings of defeat, failure, even ruin. Sometimes it is because we sinned, some times it is because we were neglectful (which is a type of sin too), sometimes it is other people’s sin and neglect, or sometimes it is God using the devil to develop character in us. As it says in Job 5:7 (NIV)  “man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.”

In light of his world falling apart, Job draws a line in the sand, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him”. (Verse 15) To understand his resolve, one must look at Verse 16.  Where he says, “Indeed, this (emphasis mine)will turn out for my deliverance”, This – what is the “this” he is talking about? It was his confidence. His unwavering hope and trust that God would not leave him, forsake him, and would fight for him.

He draws the line in the sand in Verse 15 but in Verse 18 he raises his arms in victory and declares; “I know I will be vindicated.”

And he was.

And you will be too. Providing you hold onto one small but huge detail. God is your confidence. God remains your confidence. God will be your confidence no matter what.

This Sunday in our continuing series on the book of John, with the theme of Jesus - God in human terms; I will be speaking on the Words of Jesus, where he makes the incredible statement: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5) The fruitfulness of the branches is directly related to the “remaining” or staying connected to the source of life. Storms, adversity, abuse, may come, but as long as the branch remains, fruitfulness will be experienced.

How exciting. This is a great message in our time of Covid. This message will help you to remain connected and enjoy life. If you have lost connection, it will help you to become connected again so you can be fruitful. Invite a friend and enjoy the truth of God’s word.

KCF has grown to 2 Sunday Celebrations

On Sunday, we are excited that we will be having 2 Sunday Services to ensure that we can continue to maintain appropriate physical distancing. 9 – 10:30am and 11am – 12:30pm.

We are meeting in person at KCF, 520 Falls Street or on Facebook Live @9am on the Kootenay Christian Fellowship FB page, for those not feeling comfortable attending a public gathering. We will use best practices and accepted protocols to ensure a safe environment for all worshippers gathering with us. Our service will be short and there will be no coffee or food offered at this time.

We are also on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT9GnRlN0fPZdvqmaUV_LA

Subscribe to our channel while you are there.

Looking forward to seeing you all in person or on Facebook Live @9am on the Kootenay Christian Fellowship Church FB Page. https://www.facebook.com/kootenaychristianfellowshipnelsonbc

Jim Reimer, Pastor

November 19, 2021