United Church of God

Letter From Andy Diemer - August 25, 2021

Letter From Andy Diemer

August 25, 2021

Grounded and Steadfast

Hello Brethren,

They're here. We are living in them. These are the "perilous times" of which Paul wrote (2 Timothy 3:1). The world is a troubled place, and full of obstacles to our faith. Our challenge is to keep hope alive. We cannot give in and give up.   

We need faith like David who said, "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast" (Psalms 57:7). David wrote that when he was in deep trouble. Saul wanted to kill him, but David trusted that God would come to his aid. And God did; He delivered David from the hands of his would-be murderer. Our Adversary, Satan the Devil, like Saul wanting to kill David, is out to kill us. He uses the influences of this world to get to us. He wants us to give in and lose hope.

But even under his unrelenting onslaught, God will help us to keep our hope alive. His Spirit will help us to not give up. Christ Himself said, "In the world you will have tribulation" (John 16:33). "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Until the end of the age anyone striving to be a Christian will face many hard times. For "we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). But as Paul encouraged the Corinthians, remain "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). No matter how troubled we are, God will send the help "if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end" (Hebrews 3:14).

So, let's endure the troubles which come upon us daily and remain steadfast in the faith. Let's always understand that "many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalms 34:19)! Therefore, you must, "continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast...not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard" (Colossians 1:23)!

Warm regards,

Andy Diemer

Pastor