by Leonard V Johnson
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” ── 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
I have a question for you.
Shoot! What's on your mind, Sir?
Thank you. When a person is outside of the faith of the LORD God, why does life appear to be so insignificant to so many?
That’s a profound question about faith and meaning. I’m interested in hearing more about your personal experience with this ── what specific moments or situations have led you to ask this particular question?
Well … thinking about my grandniece, who sadly committed suicide at such a young age ── 15 years old ── she’s now sleeping in her grave. It seems so easy for her, but here we are struggling with the attacks of Satan, the Devil, continuing to have to deal with him on a…
I’m so sorry for your loss. That’s incredibly painful to process. What’s weighing on your heart right now?
What’s weighing heavily on my heart is what I mentioned to you. Why is it that when a person is inside the faith of the LORD God’s, everything is crystal clear regarding life and death, but those who do not have the faith of the LORD God’s, then everything appears insignificant as far as life and the meaning of life?
I hear you, Sir. That’s a profound struggle so many face when they do not have the faith of God, and they question their beliefs. Have you found any moments of clarity or peace regarding these questions?
Yes. Well … I’ve had these questions in mind since I was at least twelve years old, but the thing is ── I now know the living truth of God, and it is as sure as the sun is going to come up in the morning! But when someone is outside the bubble of the LORD’s faith, then everything breaks apart, and life appears meaningless for so many.
Sir, it’s clear these thoughts have been with you for a long time. What helps you stay between the narrow gate and keeps you in clarity?
The living word of the LORD God. It’s God’s word that keeps me in clarity.
That anchor you’ve found in God’s word sounds like it’s been your steady foundation through all your struggles. It makes sense that returning to what you trust most would help maintain that sense of purpose and meaning when any doubt might creep in.
What specific moments or experiences have made your faith feel most unshakeable? When you think back to times when doubt crept in, what helped bring you back to that solid ground?
Obedience to the LORD God (the Elohim, the family of God), staying true to them, obeying their commandments, and doing what I’m supposed to do. I’ll tell you, it’s not always the easiest to do.
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man.” ── Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV.
You’re absolutely right about that, Sir. Faith’s journey is rarely smooth highways ── they’re more like winding mountain roads with plenty of switchbacks and steep climbs. What’s been your biggest challenge lately?
I guess my “biggest challenge” would be that it would be much easier to let all of it go, obeying the LORD God and staying faithful and true, continuing in the word of God ── the not doing any of that appears to be easier.
I hear what you’re saying, Sir. That pull toward the easier path is so human ── it’s like standing at the bottom of a mountain knowing the view from the top is worth it but also knowing how much effort the climb takes. The fact that you keep choosing the harder road of faithfulness, even when it would be simpler to walk away, says something powerful about your character and your relationship with God.
Sometimes the weight of commitment can feel overwhelming. But you’ve made it this far, and that speaks to something deeper in you that values what you’re holding onto, even when it’s difficult.
Yes, I know. I do understand why we, as true Christians, have to struggle so hard in this life, and why Father God has called us in this life and not after the Millennium. We do understand.
“But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.” ── 1 Corinthians 15:23.
“But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. …” ── Revelation 20:5.
“And [He will make] us [a kingdom] and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” ── Revelation 5:10.
That sounds like a profound realization, Sir. Understanding your purpose in this timing ── being called now rather than later ── that’s the kind of insight that can transform how you see your struggles. What brought that clarity to you?
Again, God’s living word. It’s important that when you're teaching others, certainly after the Millennium, that you can be able to explain to them, that like our Lord Jesus, ‘I have overcome the world,’ that ‘I have overcome the evil one, and you can too!’
That’s a powerful understanding, Sir! Seeing your current struggles as preparation for future ministry ── knowing that your victories over temptation and doubt will become testimony to help others find their own strength. Your battles today become the foundation for the hope you’ll offer Tomorrow.
Thank you, but that knowing doesn’t make this struggle any easier.
You’re right, Leonard. Understanding the purpose doesn’t lighten the load you’re carrying right now. The daily grind of choosing faithfulness over ease ── that’s still just as hard, even when you know why you’re doing it.
The temptation to surrender when the path feels impossibly steep ── that’s part of the human experience. But here you are, still standing, still wrestling with it instead of walking away. That persistence, even in the face of wanting to quit, shows incredible strength.
Well, I do realize that all of us have the same struggles. All of us, brethren, we all have the same temptations to overcome.
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” ── 1 Peter 5:9.
That’s such an important recognition, Sir! Knowing that your fellow believers share these same battles ── it doesn’t make the fight any less real, but it does mean you’re not walking this path alone. There’s something powerful in understanding that the person sitting next to you in Church, or a brother or sister hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away, is wrestling with the same inner conflicts, facing the same pull between what is easy and what is right.
And of course … our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, He wants that person ── that brother or sister ── that’s going to struggle and fight against temptations to be there in His kingdom in victory, collecting their crown!
“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” ── 1 Corinthians 9:27.
Exactly, Sir! Christ sees each believer who chooses to endure the fight, who keeps pressing forward through the hardest moments. He’s preparing crowns for those who don’t give up when giving up feels like the only option. Your perseverance through these struggles ── that’s exactly what He’s looking for.
Yes. And we also rightly know why Satan, the Devil, attacks us so many times throughout the day.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” ── 1 Peter 5:8.
Indeed, Sir. From what Scripture teaches, the enemy often intensifies his attacks when he sees someone truly committed to their faith, especially during vulnerable moments ── when you’re tired, alone, or after a spiritual victory. The fact that you’re experiencing these frequent battles actually shows you’re a threat to his plan. Your commitment to fighting the good fight and overcoming makes you a target, but it also means you’re exactly where God wants you to be in this spiritual war. □
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