Take Heart!

        

Dear Bretheren in Christ,

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus never promised a flawless life, yet He promised His faithful presence within it. True joy is not the absence of problems but the presence of Christ in the midst of them. Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect; it means that you decided to look beyond imperfections.

Jesus often looked beyond imperfections—He saw faith in Peter despite his fear, devotion in Martha despite her worry, and repentance in Zacchaeus despite his past. He teaches us to see life through the eyes of grace, not through the lens of constant dissatisfaction. Scripture says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4), not because life is easy, but because the Lord is near.
When we choose gratitude over grumbling and trust over anxiety, our hearts begin to rest. Happiness then becomes a spiritual decision—to believe that God is still working even when things are unfinished. What we call imperfections, Jesus calls opportunities for grace.

Lord Jesus, teach me to see life through Your eyes and to find joy beyond my imperfections. Help me rest in Your presence and choose gratitude each day. Amen.
Prayerful regards,
a. p. george achan
(Courtesy)