Hosanna Restoration Church

Yes, there is a way to be happy and full of peace, as we believe in God. In fact, it is what God expects! He gives us all we need in order to accomplish His will and He expects us to put it into practice. How many of us as children received a bicycle? As a parent I have purchased many. The bicycle does not work by itself. When we received one we had to learn to ride it. When we buy one for someone we expect them to learn to ride it. The bicycle will do everything it is supposed to do; the rest is up to us. One person may develop greater skills with the bicycle than another, but the bike will work for everyone who gets on it.

In the same way, the Name of the Lord is a strong tower to everyone who will trust in Him. With some people, their skill level may outgrow one model of bicycle and they will move to another type, however we never will outgrow the gift of God’s salvation. No matter how many times we shift gears in our ride of faith, we will never get beyond the promise of God.

Therefore we once again face the fact that God has provided, but it is up to us to ride. Paul did not pray things that were not possible. He knew that everything was possible with God. It is no coincidence that he prays this prayer after instructing them to live in harmony and living to please others.

God knows that sometimes the last thing we want to do is be in harmony with some folks, let alone try to please them. Sometimes it is just not possible to please everyone, and other times it seems like we just cannot please anyone! But if we have done all we can with what God has given us, we can stand happy and full of peace believing in Him and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to work it out.

As followers of Christ we have all experienced the workings of the enemy around us. Most of us have had at least one person who knowing or unknowingly did not like us just because of our love of Jesus. Those are not the easiest people to bless or try to please. Sometimes it looks as though it is doing no good at all, but God says just keep going according to the plan. My personal experience has shown me that God is faithful and that even when it looks like it is doing more harm than good, just stay happy and full of peace and you will see the glory of God.

It is not up to us to figure out how God is going to do something. It is up to us to believe that He will and act accordingly. When we believe in Him we can expect to overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. However, don’t expect to be happy and full of peace if you don’t trust in Him. When we choose to worry and doubt we block the spout where the glory comes out! Just like a bicycle, faith works when you ride it!