Why is it so hard to hear God’s voice? Why is it so hard to do what he says? Why is it so easy to live our lives on our terms and only think of God, when all of sudden it becomes too hard? Do we not know or understand James 1:2- ” Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” Do we think like the world and expect that the world will see us as different when essentially we concern ourselves with the same things non-Christians do?
This last year has given me time to reflect on those questions and to really search my soul. To dig deep into my heart to determine, if my life reflects the Jesus that I claim to love and serve. Honestly, when I study the scriptures and examine my own life, there are several areas that could use some serious work. I mean serious, like tear down and reconstruct work.
I guess, up until the coronavirus and masks became a part of our daily vernacular, I think that I thought that I had my finger on the pulse of my relationship with the Lord. I worshipped every Sunday, studied the Bible with my kids and did my own personal lessons. But this is where it gets interesting. I didn’t exercise my faith. I read, I understood, but I did, what I always do. I did it myself. That’s my default. If God doesn’t answer fast enough or do what I need him to do in that moment, I will find a way to fix, resolve or repair. As if, I could do a better job of managing my life than God. I limited God’s power over my life!! I made him small, while I elevated myself. I did all the things my way.
Fast forward to today, how many people need Jesus? That answer is simple, everyone needs Jesus! But how many people have I passed without proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ? How many times have I not spoken about his love for us because, I too have been consumed with what is happening in the world around me. I guess, I am just angry because many of the people that I know, don’t really recognize what is happening. They don’t seem to process the deception and evil that has taken hold of our nation. Even God’s own people don’t seem to understand or worse, care. It’s as if they are so consumed by the cares of this world to the point, that the idea that Jesus could return at any moment is the furthest thing from their minds. Mine too, if I am being honest, because I am still attached. There is a reason that the Apostle Paul, writes “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2. I want to care more about Jesus than our current state of affairs.
Our country is in the midst of ungodliness, perhaps too far gone, but that is nothing new to God. Throughout every period of history man has found a way to dishonor themselves and God. What is also true is that, God has always provided for the righteous. Always. And he has always created a path for his children to share the gospel. So, while I may feel disheartened at times by the state of our nation, it is never okay to not be busy doing the will of my father in heaven and allowing everyone to see Jesus in me. I am aware of what is going on around me, but it is more important for me to spend my time telling people about the one who saves and gives us everlasting life. It is only in him, that I will find my peace.
And you can too!!
In Christian love,
AngelaChristine
One Mom Growing in her Faith with Grace 