There is nothing to conquer but yourself: Jesus Christ

Manoj Khatri [MK]: The world is reeling under its own weight. There is confusion, anxiety, and frustration all around. In these times of gloom, when feelings of joy and fulfilment seem ever so illusive, we reach unto you to help us, guide us towards making the right choices and living a happier life. You have, time and again, given us your message. Please bless us yet again.

Jesus Christ: I have said before and I say again, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

You only have to seek me and I will be there. Because where do I live, but in you? I manifest myself every moment—in every breath you take. All you need to do is listen when I speak, and follow my advice. So ask me whatever you wish, and then listen carefully to what I say.

MK: Why don't we listen to you always? Why can't we hear you?

Jesus Christ: Because you look for me outside -- in the physical world -- but I am within you. And I speak to you through your heart. I once said to you, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" Keep this in mind and cultivate the ability to listen to your heart. Then, you will never feel my absence.

MK: Lord, life is a series of setbacks. How should we deal with our failures?

Jesus Christ: First things first. Do not condemn failures, for without them your life would become monotonous and you would not know how great you truly are. Failures are part of God's grand plan with the objective of helping you realise how glorious each one of you is. Therefore, treat every failure you encounter as an opportunity for your spirit to emerge victorious and to experience the glory of God. Troubles are inherent, but you must act from the position of courage, just like I did. "In the world you will have trouble but take courage for I have conquered the world."

Follow my life. My own life is the ultimate example of coming back after severe setbacks. I came back to demonstrate the triumph of my spirit and I say to you that the same spirit is in you that is in me. Every time you fail, it is like dying to be born again. Have I not said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the Kingdom of God unless he is born again”?

MK: Why is it so difficult to be courageous?

Jesus Christ: Because you tend to live in the future, worrying about troubles that don’t exist today. This mind-set, of always worrying about the future, weakens you. If you invest all your energies in the present moment, you will find that you have the courage to deal with all your problems.

As you live in the present moment, you will be able to enjoy your life, including the challenges and the setbacks. Each day brings new challenges and new opportunities. View your difficulties as if they were serving a purpose. And remember, "Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today."

MK: Some challenges look insurmountable. As humans we feel limited by our capacities…

Jesus Christ: As humans you are the blessed ones. How can you be limited in your capacities when you have God residing in you? Remember, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do..." So whatever I did, you can do too. That’s because God resides in you just as He lives in me. Once you realise this, then you will have the power to conquer every possible challenge.

You can access this force anytime you wish. But beware -- you can do so only with an absence of doubt. If you have faith, no task will be impossible to you. I have said, "Even with faith as tiny as a mustard seed, you will be able to move mountains."

MK: Getting rid of doubts seems impossible especially when everything seems completely hopeless. In such a scenario, pray tell us how can we have total faith?

Jesus Christ: Faith is not possible if you use your mind. You have to transcend your mind and become like children for they are the truest reflection of God. For, "Unless you get transformed and become like children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven." When I say be like children, I mean you must remain innocent and pure in heart and retain a spirit of resilience. Because of their pure hearts, children lack the ability to doubt. This is why they never give up. Have you seen a child who tries to walk on his feet the first time? He walks a few steps and falls. He may cry temporarily but soon enough he's back at his attempts to walk. And he doesn't relent till he achieves his goal. So, be like children and learn to accept a setback in stride. In time, you will begin to walk again.

And this Kingdom of Heaven I refer to is not a place you must find. It's a realisation that happens in you. Just remember an eternal truth, "The Kingdom of God is within you." If you remember just this much, you will know that there is nothing to conquer except yourself. Then all setbacks in life will seem like opportunities in disguise… because they are.

MK: Thank you Lord, we are truly blessed with your presence. Before you end this divine dialogue, can you leave us with one expression, one thought that will remain with us, and remind us of your teachings?

Jesus Christ: If only you knew that I walk beside you, at all times, would you fear anything? So remember, "I am with you always, until the very end of time."