Even if our faith should fade away from us, and we find that our prayers are less fervent, or we turn away from our daily walks with our Father, He might scatter us, but will never abandon us. Even in a decrepit state such as this He makes a way home for those who are lost, but we must search after Him like Jesus seeks the one lost sheep. If we look for Him with all our heart and soul we will find that our Lord God never hides from us and waits faithfully for our return.
Are we satisfied with our lives, and in every condition we find ourselves experiencing as we live them out? Do we lean back into the arms of the Lord to receive His peace, or do we fret and become anxious as we face the challenges and turmoil that this world surrounds us with?
Even in the midst of our greatest laments the Lord is with us in the fullness of His love. We might feel inclined to believe that we have been abandoned, but His love never ceases, never comes to an end, and refreshes us each day as His radiance shines bright upon us. There are times when His cloak is made to cast a shadow over us so that our spirit might shine on it’s own from the darkness, and what was once unnoticed in the brilliance of His presence is allowed to strengthen and shine forth from the night.
Do you have COVID-19, or some other deadly disease, and wish to overcome it? If so how are you praying, or better put; are you simply praying that the suffering be lifted from you or are you praying that your sins be forgiven, your life comes to reflect the will of God, and that God would heal you to serve Him more? When we hurt and are sick, or afraid of death, it is so easy to pray for relief without confessing our sins, asking forgiveness, and repairing the state of our soul within God’s will.
Do we thank God for all the comforts He provides us? We seek out the Lord in times of affliction, or trouble, and thank Him when He gives us relief, but how easy it becomes to accept the blessings that he gives us without any hardship, and forget to thank Him. When things come easily, and comfortably, we should thank the Lord all the more diligently for His blessings, because these are the comforts of Christ.
Are we constantly at the ready to pray for all the Saints? Is the Holy Spirit guiding us as we do; not in a quick word, or with repetitive phrases that aren’t from our heart, but in fervent prayer? If we offer prayers that are simply rote in nature... repetitive, and insincere, then we are not praying as we should.
In today’s world of religion the mantra is often that “God helps those who help themselves”, and that Jesus makes the righteous wealthy, but the truth is that God’s ear is attuned to those whose spirits are crushed and who are broken-hearted. His mercy is rarely focused on worldly things, but is applied liberally to redeeming us, and easing our suffering.
Are we afraid to tell others what God has done for us? Do we fear that they might think we are singing our own praises because He has done so many wonderful and amazing things in our lives? Well we couldn’t be more wrong than to remain silent because the Lord deserves our open praise, and worship before all people, and nothing lifts Him higher than to speak of all He has done for us.
When people and countries lose sight of God, or walk away from the truth which is Jesus Christ, do not give up hope on them because just as the Lord’s hands are held out to them all the day long... your arms should be extending the Word of God, and the gospel of Jesus to them as well.
When we are in trouble do we call on God to save us out of desperation, or do we ask for His help so that through His provision, and salvation, we might glorify Him? God’s rescue is not done solely for our benefit, but also to reveal His majesty. When we give to those in need how does it make us feel? The goodness and warmth we experience is only a reflection of what God feels when He answers us in our times of need.
Are we a people who begins our confrontation with trouble by leaning on the Lord for help, but who over time begins to waver in our faith? Are we like the Israelites who trusted in God for their protection in the wilderness only to lose hope when the armies of Pharaoh were approaching, and their backs were against the sea? How steadfast are we, and how firm is our grasp on the promises of our Father?
We say that we love God, and Jesus Christ, but do we truly know what that love should be? We say that God’s love for us is boundless, but can we begin to understand what it means to do anything without limits? O my friends, we say we know these things but until we come face to face with God, and feel the wounds of Christ with our own hands, we are blind, and the mystery will not have been revealed to us.
Are you distraught today? Is your life filled with disappointment, and are the things you once placed great value in being drawn away from you? If you feel morose in this way then you are losing hope in life, and perhaps your faith is under attack as well. Hope in our earthly life, and hope in faith, walk arm in arm with one another, and together they give us an abundance of life. So think on those things that give you hope, and take refreshment in your faith, and life, from them.
To be with God, and Jesus Christ, we must be changed. Laying aside, for a moment, the spiritual transformation we have been undergoing throughout our lives of faith, we are meant to be changed physically as well. This bodily change will not be a lifelong process, but occur in an instant, in a moment, and take place when Jesus returns to claim us. Are we prepared for that instant of indestructible foreverness?
Is our love for God, and the strength of our faith with us always, or do we pick them up and put them down at our convenience? When we are experiencing times of ease, and fair breezes, do we praise our Father, and tell Him how much we love Him, but turn our attention elsewhere, and need a reminder, when we are confronted by trouble? In times of hardship do we ask God “Where are you?” When perhaps the better question is to ask ourselves “Where am I in relation to God?”