Godchaser Podcast

When Hope Seems Lost: Understanding God's Blessings and Our Faith

• Evan Evans

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What do we do when our world seems to crumble despite our best efforts to live a righteous life? On this episode of the God Chaser podcast, we explore some of the most pressing questions about faith and God’s interaction with us. I, Evan Evans, will be your guide as we journey through the complexities of maintaining hope in trying times and seek to understand whether our blessings are the fruits of our actions or purely acts of divine grace. Anchored in Scriptures, we’ll look into Proverbs and the Book of Job, unraveling the nuanced perspectives these texts offer on God's love and grace.

Dive into a thoughtful conversation designed to foster spiritual growth and deepen your relationship with God. By examining Job's trials alongside the wisdom in Proverbs, we uncover the profound truth that God's grace is not something we earn but a gift freely given. This episode invites believers, seekers, and the curious alike to reflect deeply and engage in open discussions about their faith. Share your thoughts and experiences with us; your insights are invaluable to this ongoing dialogue and help shape future episodes. Join us for an enlightening journey that promises to challenge your understanding and inspire your spiritual path.

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Speaker 1:

Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, where we dive deep into life's big questions and explore the intersection of faith and everyday living. I'm your host, evan Evans, and I'm thrilled to have you join us for another enlightening episode. Before we begin, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who tune in week after week. Your support, questions and insights make this podcast what it is a vibrant gathering of seekers and believers coming together to grow in faith and understanding. Today's episode promises to be a thought-provoking journey into some of the most challenging aspects of faith. We'll be tackling questions that many of us grapple with, especially during difficult times. Questions like how do we maintain hope when everything seems to be falling apart? Does God reward good behavior or are his blessings given without merit? And how do we reconcile our faith when we see others? Seemingly these are deep, complex issues that don't have easy answers, but that's exactly why we need to discuss them. In our exploration, we'll be turning to Scripture for guidance, examining various perspectives and considering how these theological questions impact our daily lives. Remember, the goal of the God Chaser podcast isn't to provide definitive answers to every question, but to encourage thoughtful reflection, foster spiritual growth and deepen our relationship with God and deepen our relationship with God. We're all on this journey together, and it's through open, honest discussion that we can support and learn from one another.

Speaker 1:

As we delve into today's topic, I encourage you to keep an open mind and heart. Whether you're a longtime believer, someone who's questioning their faith or simply curious about these spiritual matters, there's something in this episode for you. Your thoughts and experiences are valuable to this ongoing conversation. We appreciate hearing from our listeners, as your insights often spark new discussions and help shape future episodes. Feel free to reach out through our website with your questions or reflections. Lastly, if you're finding value in the God Chaser podcast, please consider supporting us by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform or sharing the show with friends and family. Your support helps us reach more people with these important conversations. All right, are you ready to dive in? Let's embark on this spiritual exploration together, seeking truth, understanding and a deeper connection with God. Stay tuned the God Chaser podcast starts right after this short break.

Speaker 2:

Welcome to the God Chaser podcast starts right after this short break. Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, the ultimate destination for those yearning to cultivate a passionate, intimate relationship with God. Join your host, Evan Evans, as he explores the depths of scripture, shares inspiring testimonies and provides practical guidance to help you become a true God Chaser, Discover the transformative power of pursuing God's presence and be inspired to reignite your spiritual journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on an adventure that will change your life forever. Welcome to the God Chaser Podcast. Let the chase begin.

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the God Chaser Podcast. I'm your host, Evan Evans. Today we're diving deep into some profound questions about faith, hope and the nature of God's interaction with us. These are questions that many of us grapple with, especially during challenging times, when all hope seems lost and we feel we've done everything right but nothing's working. It's natural to wonder about God's role in our lives. Does God reward good behavior? Are our blessings tied to our religiosity, or does God's grace operate independently of our actions? Let's explore these ideas together. First, let's address the idea of God rewarding good behavior. This concept has roots in various religious traditions, including Christianity. In Proverbs 3, verse 9 to 10, we read Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce, Then he will fill your barns with grain and your vats will overflow with good wine. This passage suggests a connection between honoring God and receiving blessings. However, it's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean God operates on a simple transactional basis.

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The book of Job provides a powerful counterpoint. Job was a righteous man who suffered immensely despite his faithfulness. In Job, chapter 1, verse 1, we're told there once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil, Yet Job still faced tremendous hardships. This brings us to a fundamental truth about God's nature. His love and grace are not earned, but freely given. In Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 8 to 9, we find God saved you by his grace when you believed, and you can't take credit for this. It is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. So if God's blessings aren't directly tied to our actions, why should we strive to live righteously? The answer lies in understanding that living according to God's will isn't about earning rewards, but about aligning ourselves with his nature and purpose for our lives. In Romans, chapter 12, verse 2, Paul writes Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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Now let's address the question of whether God is constantly monitoring our behavior. While God is omniscient and aware of all things, the idea of him watching us like a celestial scorekeeper misses the mark. Instead, Scripture portrays God as a loving father who desires a relationship with his children. In Jeremiah 29, verse 13, God says if you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. This brings us to a critical point. Our relationship with God is just that a relationship. It's not about following a set of rules to earn rewards, but about growing closer to him and allowing his love to transform us.

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In John, chapter 15, verse 5, Jesus says I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit, For apart from me, you can do nothing. But what about when we see others who aren't particularly religious, seemingly getting everything they want? It's a common observation that can shake one's faith. However, it's important to remember that external success doesn't always equate to internal peace or true fulfillment. In Matthew 16, verse 26, Jesus asks and what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Moreover, we should be cautious about judging others' spiritual lives based on outward appearances. In 1 Samuel 16, verse 7, we're reminded the Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. Now let's address a crucial point the balance between faith and action.

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While we trust in God, we're also called to be active participants in our lives. James 2, verse 17 states so, you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. This brings us to an important realization God has empowered us with abilities and resources to navigate life. While we should absolutely seek God's guidance and rely on his strength, we shouldn't expect him to magically intervene in situations where we have the capacity to act. For instance, if you're seeking a spouse, prayer is important, but so is putting yourself in situations where you can meet potential partners. If you're looking for a job, pray for guidance, but also update your resume and apply for positions. Pray for guidance, but also update your resume and apply for positions.

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God often works through natural processes and our own efforts. In Proverbs 16, verse 9, we read we can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. This verse beautifully captures the interplay between our actions and God's guidance. We make plans and take action, but ultimately we trust God to direct our paths. It's also worth noting that sometimes, what we perceive as unanswered prayers or lack of blessings might actually be God working in ways we don't yet understand. In Isaiah, chapter 55, verse 8 to 9, God says my thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine, For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. This reminds us to approach life with humility and trust, even when we don't understand why things are happening the way they are. It's not always about getting what we want, but about growing in faith and character through all circumstances.

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Let's also consider the concept of suffering in the Christian life. Contrary to some popular teachings, the Bible doesn't promise a life free from hardship for believers. In fact, Jesus himself said in John 16, verse 33, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me here on earth. You will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart because I have overcome the world. The Apostle Paul, who endured numerous hardships, wrote in Romans, 5, verse 3 to 5, we can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance, and endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment, For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. This perspective reframes our understanding of difficulties. Rather than seeing them as punishments or signs of God's absence, we can view them as opportunities for growth and deepening our faith.

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So how should we live in light of all this? First, we should cultivate a genuine relationship with God, not based on trying to earn his favor, but on receiving and responding to his love. In 1 John 4, verse 19, we're told we love each other because he loved us first. Second, we should strive to live according to God's will, not to earn rewards, but because it aligns us with his nature and purpose. As Jesus taught in Matthew 6, verse 33, seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Third, we should balance faith with action. Trust God, but also use the abilities and resources he's given you. As the old saying goes, pray as if everything depends on God and work as if everything depends on you.

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Fourth, we should maintain an eternal perspective. Our ultimate hope isn't in earthly success or comfort, but in our relationship with God and the promise of eternal life. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4, verse 17-18, For our present troubles are small and won't last very long, yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don't look at the troubles we can see now. Rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen, for the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. Fifth, we should support and encourage one another in faith. Hebrews, chapter 10, verse 24 to 25, instructs us let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works, and let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.

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In conclusion, living a life of faith isn't about following a set of rules to earn God's favor. It's about cultivating a genuine relationship with Him, trusting His goodness even when we don't understand our circumstances, and actively participating in the life he's given us. Remember God's love for you isn't based on your performance. In Romans, chapter 8, verse 38 to 39, Paul declares and I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow. Not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below. Indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

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This truth should free us from the pressure of trying to earn God's love or blessings. Instead, it invites us into a relationship of trust, growth and purpose purpose. As we navigate life's challenges and joys, may we always remember that we are deeply loved by a God who is working all things for our good, even when we can't see it. Thank you for joining us on the God Chaser podcast. Until next time, may you be encouraged to seek God wholeheartedly, trust in his unfailing love and live out your faith with confidence and purpose. This episode of the God Chaser podcast is proudly sponsored by God Chaser Apparel, the clothing line designed to empower and inspire your spiritual journey.

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