Mines

Scriptures: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Many years ago, I read an article that talks about the United Nation’s efforts in cleaning up the land mines left in many war-torn countries. In the article, the author gave an example of what tragedies these un-cleaned mines could cause. The example was about a Cambodian boy, about 10 years old, who came home from school one day. As he was crossing a rice field with his friends, he noticed that there was something on the ground on the other side of the field.

So, he went over and picked it up. It was a mine designed to kill personnel. It could have been just curiosity or mere ignorance. Either way, he picked it up, played with it and was killed on the spot when he triggered it. The war was tragic enough. What’s more tragic was that the devastation of the war did not end when the war ended. It continued to kill and destroy lives everywhere it could.

In a very similar way, we are dealing with mines in our lives as well. The only difference is our mines may not be physically visible. They are spiritual mines, temperamental mines, lustful mines, pressure mines, relationship mines, you name it! I remember, one day, when I went to work, I ran into my boss in the elevator. So I greeted him by saying, “How are you?” He replied, “Bad!” with a stone face. I sensed something must have not been going right for him. So, I said, “Is everything ok?” To this, he replied, “It’s none of your business!” It almost sounded as though I ticked off a bomb or a land mine of some sort. So, I backed off. I wasn’t offended or hurt. But, running into something like that wouldn’t be anyone’s choice for the start of a day and someone could really be hurt or offended that way.

Our lives are filled with problems and troubles, as Jesus taught us. Some of them came from our workload, some from our children, some may come from our financial situations, while others may come from our ministries, inter-personal relationships, and many others. As diverse as the source may be, their destructive power are the same. If we don’t handle them right, not only will they explode to hurt us, they will also hurt others around us and be buried inside of them and become some sort of timed bombs, waiting to explode.

Jesus taught us that, if we abide in Him, we will have peace. Peace that is without struggle, without hurt, without burden, without worries, but with joy, hope and strength. We don’t have a choice regarding what troubles/problems this world will throw at us. But we do have a choice of staying or not staying in Jesus. Prophet Isaiah said that, “…the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus is the answer to these troubles and problems. He alone is the answer to the request for protection against all these visible and invisible mines in lives. Everyone needs Jesus!

The article I read called for support of such efforts conducted by UN to clean up these land mines so this world can be a safer place to live. How about these invisible mines that are still in many, if not all, people? Our challenge is more than just knowing that Jesus is the answer. Our real challenge is to seek and explore ways to share the good news of Jesus so that His peace may reign and protect all His people from these powerfully destructive invisible mines of sin! More than that, in a dark and wicked generation, I pray that all God’s people are filled with the heavenly peace from Jesus so they may be instruments to Him to love and save all!

Prayer Requests:
1. For protection and guidance for those children growing up in those war-torn countries.
2. For those knowingly and unknowingly carrying invisible bombs inside that they may be saved and protected by the grace and salvation of God.

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for giving Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life! We know the sin of this world must be heart breaking to You. We ask that You empower and move us to preach and witness the saving grace of our Lord Jesus so that this lost and hurting generation may be reconciled to You in Your peace and love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!