Finding fulfillment in Christ is often a process as the Lord refines us like gold in the fire. While in a concentration camp during World War II, Bestie Ten Boom, to her sister’s surprise, gave thanks for the fleas in their infested barracks. She then quoted Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [1]
Because there were fleas in their barracks, the guards would not enter, which allowed them to hold Bible study and worship without being detected. In this camp, they may have been physically hungry, but amidst this, God was sustaining them through His word. John 6:35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.[2]
Real Spiritual Fulfillment
Jesus offers the deepest spiritual fulfillment: by believing in Him, you’ll never go spiritually hungry or thirsty. But it’s important to understand that the gospel doesn’t promise an escape from life’s struggles. Many Christians still face physical hunger, and countless others go through tough times. The gospel empowers us to face life head-on. Even when the world feels full of negativity and despair, the good news assures us that Jesus offers so much more than what this life can give.
Expecting Jesus to make us immune to sin, struggles, and failures might lead to disappointment—He walks with us through it all. Just before His crucifixion, Jesus encouraged His disciples. John 16:33I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.[3] Today, you might be going through a very tough time, but remember the Lord is walking with you. The Holy Spirit lives in the believer. This doesn’t eliminate the pain, but it sustains us on our journey.
Looking Forward to Eternal Life
Part of finding fulfillment in Christ is looking beyond this sinful and troubled world toward eternal life. When I do this, it changes my perspective. After all, I realize I can get through this difficulty or situation because I have hope. Jesus gives us purpose and a promise. John 6:40For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day. [4]
Your value to God as His child is hard for us to comprehend. As Jesus went to the cross, He was both true God and true man. As God, He had the capacity to know when you would be born, the life you would experience, and the sins you would commit. As a loving man, He willingly gave up His life to pay for our sins, knowing the suffering He would endure.
Paul shows us what it means to find our fulfillment in Christ. Galatians 2:20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [5] To learn more about finding fulfillment in Christ, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-bread-of-life
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.