I write this blog with fear and trepidation. Please read the whole piece before responding.

About 6 years ago I was experimenting with Facebook to tell people what my sermon will be on the Sunday following. Boldly I posted this pic on our church Facebook page.

The responses surprised me and came from people far away with whom I never had any contact before that post. Here are some responses.

Believe it or not, I only kept some of the gentler responses since I showed it in church that Sunday. It warmed my heart that many people took offence to the statement I made and that they felt so strong about it. I just wish they expressed their opinion in a gentler and wiser fashion... :-) And I hope you find it funny that Jesus can be defended in such crude terms. I have never been called a retard before and definitely not this particular kind of retard.

However, I do think there are ways in which Jesus is not the answer. Would you consider them with me?

1. Jesus is NOT the answer when you are looking for a quick fix.

Our God has a way of focussing on higher and deeper purposes than our immediate comfort. Take a look at this.

... We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.
Rom 5:3-4 MSG

Walking with God entails submitting to His purpose in us and the process through which He will accomplish that purpose. He is never late but it often feels like He might be this time.

You are barking up the wrong tree if you expect God to walk into your life and wave a magic wand, fixing everything in an instant. He is growing you and growth takes time and comes with some discomfort.

But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
Isa 40:31 MSG

2. Jesus is NOT the answer when you are looking for a get-rich-quick scheme.

You need to understand that there is great blessing in serving our Lord. He will provide everything you need to accomplish the task He has for you. Abraham was the richest man of his time. So was Isaac and Jacob and Joseph. Solomon was the richest man of all time. He will provide everything you need to accomplish the purpose for which He created you.

However, His will for you can take you to some tough places. Joseph endured slavery and time in jail in God's purpose for him. Paul wrote the immortal words, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" He penned these words in a jail cell and this is what he meant by 'all things' as written in just the previous verse.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Php 4:12 NLT

Following Jesus is not like winning the lotto and now you wonder what to do with all you have. Following Jesus is not for the person seeking a get-rich-quick fix for his greed. He just is not the answer if that is what you are seeking.

3. Jesus is NOT the answer if you want to control everything.

Sometimes it seems to me as if people think that with God on their side they will be able to dictate to their circumstances and the people around them. And then their prayers sound as if they are telling God what to do.

The Christian life is one of submission to God and His will for us. It is saying, "Not my will, but Your will to be done." I surrender my will freely to His and pursue His purpose for my life. And yes, because I bow before God I do not bow to anyone or anything else.

My biggest battle is not against the devil, sin or my circumstances. Jesus won those battles on my behalf. My biggest battle is within myself and I only get to win that battle through surrender to my Lord. I'm reminded of the words of the old hymn.

I surrender all
I surrender all
All to Thee my blessed Saviour
I surrender all

If you thinking following Jesus is a way of being in control, you are sadly mistaken! You follow Him. Not the other way around.

The good news is Jesus IS the answer if you ask the right questions!

Jesus IS the answer

1. To all the love you need

"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love."
(Joh 15:9 MSG)

No one will ever love you more than the One who is love. No love will ever satisfy you the way being loved by Him will fill you up.

2. To your eternal destiny

"The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out--but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity."
(1Jn 2:17 MSG)

You are an eternal being. An eternity that you will either spend with God or without Him. Jesus is your answer!

3. To fulfilling your purpose

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.
Joh 15:16 NLT

You were not invited to the meeting when God decided to create you. He knows how He shaped you and why. The essence of your purpose and the source of your greatest fulfilment is hidden in your Creator's heart. Seek it until you find it!

The things that Jesus is the answer to is a very long list. These three will suffice for now. I hope I got your attention for a moment and appreciate that you read my thoughts. Your comments will be appreciated.

@reonlouw

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