02/03/2022
We accept the Lord Jesus as our savior and our spirit soars in the moment! We are lifted on angel wings, and the joy is almost overwhelming as God speaks to us and we experience His pleasure. Doesn’t this sound familiar to each of us who believe? But suddenly that moment is over and we are thrust once more into the world; just as Jesus was immediately driven into the wilderness. Don’t we remember those days of struggle when old friends walked away from us, well rooted sins were painfully pulled out by its roots, and through our sweat, and toil, a new spiritual field was cleared to make way for the Lord’s harvest?
“And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the spirit driveth him into the wilderness.”
Mark 1:10-12 KJV
I remember the day I prayed the prayer of salvation, and asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life. I had ridden my bicycle down the block, and was sitting on the couch with my Vacation Bible School teacher and his wife. We discussed my decision, and then I repeated the prayer to seal my commitment. My heart was filled to overflowing and I couldn’t decide whether to shout, cry, or sing.
When I left their home that day I was riding my bicycle without holding the handlebars because my arms were stretched towards Heaven, and although I was pedaling, it didn’t feel like the wheels were even touching the ground. Looking back I realize that I was caught up in the spirit, and as believers we each have a similar story. We each remember that salvation moment in our life, but there are certain triggers that bring it rushing back. For me it is when I hear, or bellow out in song, the opening words of that famous hymn “Amazing Grace”. Listen to the first two verses…
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
But I don’t have such fond recollections when I sing the very next verse. Listen to it and let’s remember together what came after the quickening of our faith… the wilderness.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will bring me home
So where are we today? Are we in a moment of joyous quickening? Are we in a lonely wilderness? Perhaps we have exited from a difficult journey and are being tested by Satan. Wherever we are in our spiritual lives God is there with us, and He doesn’t love us any more, or less, regardless of the mile marker we are at as we walk through our life with Him, and Jesus. He might be pleased or displeased with us, but He never abandons us, and he walks through valleys, climbs mountains, and crosses wildernesses with us. Through all of this His love remains true. We read this in both Testaments because it is an eternal truth…
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.”
Psalms 136:26 NLT
“No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:39 NLT
So if any here today are considering giving themselves to Jesus today do not fear the seasons in the wilderness because we are promised that we will face them with God. There will be many hardships in life whether we walk with the Lord, or by ourselves… so wouldn’t we rather travel through them with Jesus who loves us, and God who not only loves us, but also provides for us, and protects us? Wouldn’t we rather experience the joy, rest, and peace, that our faith provides us?
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for teaching our hearts to fear, and for relieving us of our fears. Thank you for loving us beyond our ability to comprehend, and for sending your Son Jesus to save us from sin while we were yet sinners. Thank you for every moment of joy in our faith, for every mountain we climb, valley we must pass through, and trouble we face; because we are reassured by your presence. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who teaches us of faith in the low places, and wildernesses of our lives, so that we can climb the mountains with you, and do so easily, singing joyfully as we go. Praised be your name for every hardship that strengthens our faith, and every moment alone with you in the deserts, and wildernesses, where we learn our finest lessons of you. Wash us with the blood of Christ to rid us of sin, quench our thirst for you with a drink from His cup, and feed us with His body as we stand seeking redemption before your table. See the presence of your Son Jesus in us, and find us worthy in Him to be with you for all eternity when we stand before you in judgement.
Rich Forbes