Last time I talked about “being a Christian is not difficult”. Now, I need to explain: How is being a Christian not difficult? Is it really just “believe with your heart, confess with your mouth”? Is it that simple? Is it that easy?
Let us visit some cases that appear to be difficult, but through “believing with your heart, confessing with your mouth”, they were all successfully resolved!
Case 1: Marriage conflicts
A husband and wife were fighting and arguing all the way to my office. They kept saying they wanted a divorce. I asked them to sit down and talk calmly. At last, the husband was willing to confess his sins and believe in Jesus. What about the wife? She too was willing to confess and believe in Jesus. They had been fighting almost to a point of no return. But when both were willing to “believe with their hearts, confess with their mouths”, a miracle happened. They reconciled.
In fact, I have seen many couples coming to marriage enrichment retreats, with long faces and walking in separately. But when they leave, their faces are as round as the harvest moon, even singing the song “The Moon Represents My Heart” as they leave the retreat hand in hand. Why did 3 days and 2 nights bring about such great change? Because the couples were willing to believe with their hearts and confess with their mouths. They were willing to believe with their hearts that God’s marriage plan is for one man and one woman, one husband and one wife, for one lifetime. They were also willing to confess with their mouths, telling each other “Forgive me, Thank you, I love you”, and other sweet talk. By believing with their hearts and confessing with their mouths, their marriages were completely turned around.
Case 2: Raising Special Kids
A special needs child is one of the most difficult things for parents.
Pastor Nick from Australia was born without arms and legs. When he was eight, he suffered greatly and wanted to end his own life. But then later he understood God’s love, and in his heart he accepted God’s love. When he grew up, he traveled around preaching God’s love, moving hundreds of thousands of people. He could even live a life more normal than a normal person, with a family and children. Without arms and legs what could Pastor Nick do? He couldn’t do anything. He could only “believe with his heart, confess with his mouth”. And through him God accomplished a mighty gospel ministry.
Many families have special needs children, but when parents understand in their hearts and believe that these children are special gifts from God, the parents then can confess through prayer the works of God. Their hearts would be less burdened and life would not be suffering. It may be exhausting at times, but depend on God and rejoice always, pray unceasingly, and give thanks in all circumstances.
Case 3: Victory over Drug Addictions
Methodist Victory Home helps those who are addicted to drugs in the community. This seems to be the most difficult case. But when those with drug addiction (or other addictions) are willing to accept help and understand the gospel, believe Jesus in their hearts, confess Jesus with their mouths, depend on the power of the gospel, read the Bible (believe God’s Word in their hearts), pray (confess with their mouths that only God can rescue them), they are able to experience a miracle, and depend on God to overcome and begin a new life.
Brothers and sisters, when we face the most difficult situations: marriage problems, family challenges, life bondages etc, we can believe with our hearts, confess with our mouths, and overcome! So these difficulties are no longer difficulties. And though there are things that we cannot do, nothing is too hard for God.
The prophet Jeremiah prayed: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17) How did God create the heavens and the earth? His great power and his arm is his Word. The Bible says, “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (Psalms 33:9). God also accomplished his creation by “believing with his heart, confessing with his mouth”.
Jesus said: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Brothers and sisters, stop depending on yourself to live. Depend on the power of God alone to live a life of victory. In him nothing is too hard, in him all things are possible, as long as you believe with your hearts and confess with your mouths. So overcome with your hearts and mouths!