I’m sure you’ve said it before.
I’ve said it numerous times.
When someone asks me a question, a serious life question – often I will say, “Jesus is the Answer.”
Does that sound too trite to you? Life is hard and just like the advertisement says, “It comes at you fast.” How can one word, one person, make a difference?
In the past eight days I have received sad news about two young men.
Last week, a student at Liberty University, fell to his death while hiking with a group of friends. He fell 75 feet. This week instead of enjoying Spring Break with his family at home, they are saying good-bye at a graveside. Such sorrow. The young man’s professor shared with a class our granddaughter was in, “In case you are wondering about Dylan and his relationship with the Lord – I want you to know that he loved JESUS with all his heart.”
Jesus was Dylan’s answer.
Yesterday, I received a text from my daughter. <Josh, T’s worker, was found dead this morning. Probable overdose.>
Eternity for this young man began and as far as we know, Jesus did not know Josh.
I don’t know about you, but this kind of news besets me. It causes me to gaze out my window and weep for the souls of men.
I “knew” Jesus at a young age and if you’ve been reading me very long you know I took a long detour because although I knew Jesus was the Answer? At the time? I didn’t want an answer – I wanted to be mad and angry. Thank God for His grace and He came to me and I grabbed hold and have been declaring Him as the Answer ever since!
Pilate asked a question – do you remember? I’ll refresh our memory!!
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” John 18.38
Mr. Pilate?
You were looking into the eyes of The Answer to your question.
Jesus was then. Jesus is now. Jesus will always be…THE ANSWER.
What’s your question? Have you considered The Answer?
xo
I’ve found the answer!
This is a great post, Sus.
And I continue to be in prayer.
Love you. Mean it.
I love you too, Shelby.
My challenge is living in the answer every day.
Big picture: yes, I know Jesus.
Day by day? I slip into un-truth. I open my Bible, read words of life, close the cover and then forget the Gospel truth that Jesus’ yoke is easy. His burden is light.
Thanks for your probing words.
Working it out, in fear and trepidation. Amen…
Susan, I love your post, so true. It reminded me of a song from the 80’s by Scott Wesley Brown, “When Answers Aren’t Enough, There Is Jesus.” The lyrics are so powerful…
“You have faced the mountains of desperation
You have climbed, you have fought, you have won
But this valley that lies coldly before you
Casts a shadow you cannot overcome
And just when you thought you had it all together
You knew every verse to get you through
But this time the sorrow broke more than just your heart
And reciting all those verses just won’t do
Chorus: When answers aren’t enough, there is Jesus
He is more than just an answer to your prayer
And your heart will find a safe and peaceful refuge
When answers aren’t enough, He is there.
Instead of asking why did it happen
Think of where it can lead you from here
And as your pain is slowly easing, you can find a greater reason
To live your life triumphant through the tears.”
Here’s a link to this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUxVWVLmkDY
Many blessings to you, sweet friend!
The Answer! He is.
Susan, I am so glad when God works in this way for me. We both posted on questions and answers and were neighbors. Grateful to read your words this morning! Blessings!
Jumping right over to read your words!
Susan, such a wonderful post offering encouragement for those difficult times. Hard circumstances will cause us to leave the questions in the hands of the One who will one day make sense of it all. Sharing this post today with several. Blessings!
Hard things, so many hard things.
I struggle with your comment as far as we know Jesus did not know Josh. I believe Jesus knows the hearts of all of us. Possibly you meant as far as we know Josh did not know Jesus? That had he known Jesus he would not have been searching for answers in drugs? Often that path is what leads many to find Jesus. It is sad to think he lost his battle with drugs before truly knowing the peace of Jesus.
I sent you an email, Paula.
I do not have email access on my phone but will look for it when I do. I hope that you did not think that I inferred doing drugs was a means to finding Jesus as that is absolutely not where I was going with that. The point I was making is that many with drug and alcohol problems find help often in a 12 step program or church program that leads them to a relationship with God. Also, many who end up using alcohol and drugs are searching for answers. Ultimately those answers can only be found in a relationship with God.
I did not think that at all. Not to worry.
Sobering. So many people know about Jesus, but have no real relationship with him. I once heard a sermon about the buying and branches, and if we are truly connected to the vine we will bear the same fruit. I am often guilty of treating Jesus as an occasional acquaintance rather than a best friend.
It is sobering, Melissa. I believe with all my heart there are millions being deceived. xo
Susan, thank you for this! It has been a difficult few days in our church community which is where my post yesterday came from. A young dad (45 years old) Chad died last night. He leaves behind three sons, a stepdaughter and his wife. From what I understand, Chad had two strokes and never recovered from them. My heart is breaking…one of the kindness caring men I have met. Chad’s youngest son is only a 3rd grader. I am taking hope and promise in knowing that Chad’s faith was important to him. They were regular worshippers at FLC. Love you friend!
I knew something must have been troubling you, I could hear it in your words. Sounds like Chad knew “The Answer” and He knew Chad!
The deaths of these two men just break my heart. In fact, the one at Liberty hits close to home, since my son graduated from there, and is currently working there while his wife finishes up her teaching degree at Liberty in May. I know they have gone on many hikes in those beautiful mountains! But the reality is, we do not know how long any of us have. We must, as you’ve so eloquently stated, Susan, know that Jesus is the answer and turn to His salvation before it is too late. I’m glad that I have Christ as my answer and so does my son and his beautiful wife. Thanks for this most important call to action, my friend!
Beth, above all else, it is the only thing that matters.
Beautiful, Susan. Sometimes it can be so hard to accept them seemingly simple answer. I pray for all those left behind in the wake of these tragedies.
Amen, Liz. My prayer also.
Dear Susan, I am so sorry for these tragedies, these losses. Praying even as we speak. For there are no more words …
Thank you.
Hey honey, I’m finally sitting down with my sweet tea. So many broken hearts, so many to pray for. As I was praying this morning looking out my kitchen window, all I could speak was, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Just hold us tight and help us walk with you. Don’t let me out walk you Lord, just let me walk holding on to your right hand.
“Out walk You…” I like that because so often we get out of step, don’t we? xo
Amen. Jesus is always my answer. The question: whom do I believe in and live for? Who rescues and save me? Beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank YOU for reading!
I agree Jesus is always the answer to all questions, problems, etc. Even in death He is the answer. For some people that are tight with Jesus and go through circumstances, situations…it can be diffulcult to believe for a moment in time; but in the long run it always remains true. He is the answer. Thank you for your lovely written words Sus xox
Love this so much! I can say I know that Jesus is the answer. But is it so sad when we hear of those who do not know this answer. Thank you for reminding us of Jesus today.
Wonderful post, Susan. Jesus really is the answer! I’m sorry to hear about the student but so glad he is with the Lord.
Gayl, such a deep sorrow for his family – yet peace.
Pilate was looking at real truth and the total truth….We as Christians don’t always take that to heart…Studying a book on putting on the full armor of God….tonight was on the belt of truth… it is exciting ….the belt is at the core of the body, it helps us to stand tall and straight…without it we cannot stand, at least not for Christ…..He has given us everything we need and more to live a good and happy life….we only have to look to the word for what we need.
Amen, Sandy – love when you come over and visit!
Maybe you have experienced this before (I hope someone has) but after spending time in the Word, attending Bible conferences, digging through the scriptures for numerous Bible studies offered through my former church, etc., I thought that I had attained a certain measure of knowledge. In other words trite statements like “Jesus is the Answer” were just that, trite. Then the trap door opened. While under the platform I was reminded that the most simple truths of Scripture are the most important for everyday living. Recently, I saw that red and white sign on a car I was passing on the road. The simplicity of the eternal truth hit me. Jesus IS the answer. He is more than enough.
He is always “more than enough” HE IS THE ANSWER!