Note from Terry James: These are Pastor Anil’s words of his Ministry Message and gratitude to all who have contributed to distribution of my books in Pakistan, which he translated into the language there. It is most of all his Thankfulness to the Lord of Heaven Who has Touched lives in that spiritually dark area of the world.
He and his family face dangers daily to carry forth God’s Truth. You have been a big part of that outreach.
Message from Pastor Anil – Pakistani ministry
There are many Scriptures in the Bible that bring comfort, strength, and hope to believers in times of trouble. One of my favorite passages is found in Luke 21:28, where our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ says:
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” — Luke 21:28
These words are especially comforting when we find ourselves in the mire of problems, sorrow, fear, or uncertainty. The difficulties of life may sometimes appear overwhelming, but there is no problem greater than the love of God, and there is no circumstance beyond the reach of His promises.
Look Up, for Your Redemption Draws Near
Jesus warned His followers that difficult times would come. He spoke about false leaders and deceivers, wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters, hatred, persecution, and the suffering of His people. These things would be signs of the difficult days ahead.
Yet Jesus described them as only “the beginning of sorrows.” As the world moves toward the events described in biblical prophecy, Scripture teaches that the troubles of humanity will become increasingly intense.
For believers, however, these warnings should not produce hopelessness. Jesus gave us a different response: “Look up, and lift up your heads.”
Why should we look up? Because our hope is not in this world. Our hope is in God.
The Lord has promised that He will come again. For those who belong to Christ, His coming is not a message of despair but of redemption and hope. When the world appears to be falling apart, believers can remember that God remains sovereign, faithful, and unchanging.
Lift Up Your Eyes to the Lord
The psalmist expressed this same attitude of dependence upon God:
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” — Psalm 121:1
The following verse gives the answer:
“My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:2
The ultimate source of our help is not human strength, political power, wealth, or earthly institutions. Our help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.
The real strength of Christianity is God Himself.
When we are surrounded by problems, we should not separate ourselves from our Creator. Instead, we should draw closer to Him through prayer, worship, His Word, and faith. The presence of God gives strength to the weary heart and hope to those who feel overwhelmed.
Remember What God Has Done for You
Every human being exists because God is the Creator. He knows us, sees our struggles, and calls us to Himself.
For the Christian, the greatest demonstration of God’s love is found in Jesus Christ. Through His Son, God has provided forgiveness and redemption from sin. Christ offers salvation and eternal life to those who place their faith in Him.
The believer’s hope does not end with this earthly life. Scripture promises the resurrection of the dead and the transformation of believers into imperishable bodies. Jesus also promised His followers a place with Him:
“I go to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:2
What a wonderful promise! The believer’s future is not determined by the troubles of the present world. Our destiny rests in the hands of the One who conquered sin and death.
Pray When You Are in Trouble
If you are facing a difficult situation today, do not believe that you are alone. Take your burden to God in prayer.
You may not know how your situation will be resolved, but God knows. You may not see a way forward, but God sees the whole path. You may feel weak, but God’s strength is sufficient.
Throughout Scripture, God’s people cried out to Him in times of trouble, and He proved Himself faithful. His help may come in ways we do not expect, sometimes through people, circumstances, provision, protection, or what Scripture describes as His angelic ministry.
Therefore, do not allow fear to drive you away from God. Let your troubles drive you toward Him.
Our Hope Is Greater Than Our Problems
The world may become increasingly troubled. Wars may arise, nations may experience instability, persecution may increase, and people may become fearful about the future. But Christians must remember that our hope is not founded upon the stability of this world.
Our hope is founded upon the promises of God.
The darker the night becomes, the more precious the light of God’s promises becomes. When circumstances tell us to be afraid, faith reminds us to trust. When problems tell us to give up, God’s Word tells us to persevere. When the world tells us to look down in despair, Jesus tells us to look up.
“Your redemption draweth nigh.”
These words should fill the heart of every believer with hope.
So, whatever difficulty you are facing today, do not give up. Do not turn away from your Creator. Lift your eyes toward the Lord. Spend time in His presence. Pray. Read His Word. Hold firmly to His promises.
And let us declare with confidence the words of the psalmist:
“My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:2
Our problems may be great, but our God is greater.
Our circumstances may change, but His promises remain.
The world may shake, but the Lord remains our refuge.
Therefore, believer, look up, lift up your head, and trust in the Lord—for your redemption draweth near.
Praying for the future distribution of Terry’s books among persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
Love and thanks for your kind support.
Pastor Anil Jasper
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To donate to the Pakistan Book ministry, send contributions to the following.
Write checks in my name Terry James and send to:
Terry James
P.O. Box 38
Benton, AR 72018
Thanks so much for your help! –Terry