For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, (Philippians 1:23-25 NKJV)
Have you ever been at or around what seemed to be your breaking point? You've tried this "Christian" thing for a while and you just seem to be slipping up more often then not and finally you throw up your hands and say it, "that's it; I'm done!" If we are honest I think we can all say we've been there before and as you can see by this portion of scripture, even the Apostle Paul wanted to give up and I'm sure he felt this way more than just a few times throughout his life. Look I've been there and whether you're there now or not, you will feel this at one time or another throughout this process called Christianity. The key here is that Paul realized a very important thing which is something that remains true for you as well. Others needed him to finish strong which was one of his driving forces to continue on. Just like others needed Paul; others need you too. God has an amazing plan for your life and there are those out there within your sphere of influence that only you can reach for God's kingdom. The fact that you want to give up indicates you have some thing worth giving up on (Tommy Barnett). We as believers need to understand and recognize that the enemy would like nothing better than for us to throw in the towel and walk away but we can't, other people need us. So if you are feeling this way be encouraged that you are in good company even the Apostle Paul felt this from time to time. So, No, there isn't anything wrong with you and yes God can still use you. Just get up, and recognize this for what it is; a tactic of the enemy meant to try and derail from the purpose and assignment that God has for you. Stay strong and be encouraged; God can and still will use us completely in our incomplete state, because it's in our weakness that His strength is made perfect. Take care & God bless, -E
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. Proverbs 8:17
Have you ever found yourself just throwing up your hands and audibly saying, "God where are you?" I have and still do from time to time. Life has a way of throwing things at us that really don't make sense at times. Situations where there is not any way you can possible see God in the midst of the circumstances. But the truth and fact of the matter He is there it just may be bit harder to clearly see Him.
Lately I've noticed and experienced something truly amazing. I've noticed that when I set time aside and press into prayer and studying God's word (the Bible) He meets me there every single time. This has caused such a closeness with Him that these times in prayer are the most powerful times I've every experienced God. The key here is I needed to make the time and be dilligent and disciplined about making that time for Him. Let's put it this way. Take your spouse for example, if you went about your day and never made time for him/her or even acknowledged they were there; how do you think that would make them feel? Do you think that you'd feel a closeness to them? Eventually you would begin to feel disconnected from them and in turn I can only image how they'd internally processing your actions of neglect. I believe this is the same with God. He's there always has been always will be but we have to slow down our busy lives and purposely make time to be with Him. Slow down and make time for God in your daily life. He's there and even though you may not be able to see Him in the midst of the madness; He's still there and waiting to hear from you. Just get alone and talk to Him honestly. It's in these times where God can show up and reveal things to you that only He can do. The Bible clearly says that if we seek Him we will find Him but we need to do our part so that He can do his. Take Care & God Bless, -E This track is amazing and really drives home the point. Artist: Josh Wilson Song: See You
My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my
ways, says the LORD. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 CEB)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence.
(Proverbs 3:5 CEB)
Life is full of disappointments and things are rarely played out in real life as in the
picture-perfect storybook of our minds eye; but regardless, God is still in
control. This doesn't minimize the pain felt in certain circumstances but it
does provide comfort and peace. God knows our heart and understands our pain. I have heard a very real truth spoken from my Pastor and the revelation this brings is true. We all fall into three life trial categories; we are either currently going through something, we have just come out of something, or we are just about to step into something. Jesus told us that we will have trouble in this world (see John 16:33), but that we are to have peace because He (Jesus) has overcome the world. Again, the pain is real, and the circumstances are real, but the promises of God are just as real. As I talked with God this morning these two portions of
scripture keep coming up (Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5) and as I read them I was overwhelmed with God's peace. They just prove to me that God is still in control and I take comfort in knowing that my thoughts are not His thoughts nor my ways are His ways. I knowwhat my thoughts and ways have looked in the past and I literally thank God He has kept things from me, because in the end; He knows best. Hang in there, He knows right where you are and shares your pain. Take heart in knowing that He is right there with you and walking with you through this uncomfortable chapter of your life. I don't know exactly what you are dealing with today but I do know that it's not bigger than God.
But Jonah got up and went in the opposite
direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where
he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board,
hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish. (Jonah 1:3 NLT)
Are you running in the opposite direction of where God has told you to go? There was a time in my life that I was just like
Jonah here. God had a clear direction for my life and I knew it, but I thought
if I jumped in wholeheartedly that I'd be losing more than I'd
gain. Needless to say I was sorely mistaken. Because of my disobedience (just
call it what it is) I experienced many things I didn't have to. So the nagging
question is; why do we run from God? I don't believe the answer is the same for
everyone but I do believe there are some out there that can relate to why I ran
for so long.
If you go on to read more about Jonah you see that various circumstances were
introduced into his life as he ran from God's call on his life (see Jonah 1:4, Jonah 1:17). This too is
what happened in my life. A course of events that were directly related to choices I made while I was running left me battered, broken, and at the end of my rope. As I read through the first chapter of Jonah today I see a note
that I scribbled in the margins of my Bible that reads, "God will allow
circumstances in our lives in attempts to get our focus back on Him." This
really spoke to me and brought a sense of thankfulness as I reflected on this. I was reminded of the patience that God
has shown to me during my time of running away from Him.
Why are you still running from what you know God has called you to? The plan
God has for you is way better than anything you can imagine but He gives us
volition (free-will) and we have to make the choice to follow Him. Honestly once you make the choice to follow him with all your heart everything that you thought you'd have to give up is nothing in comparison to the blessings that God will release into your life as a direct result of your obedience.
