"Do you ever find yourself looking at the world around you and becoming overwhelmed by the realities of what we are facing as believers, as Americans and citizens of the world? Well, yesterday was one of those days for me. It was as if the Lord removed the blinders from my eyes and allowed me to see the battles that are being waged universally, in our country, in our communities and in our homes. I knew these were there but realizing how different my convictions and beliefs compare to with those I grew up with is astounding to me. The reality that those who stand for their convictions and the truth of the Word of God are quickly becoming a minority is something I never thought I would see. And yet in my twenty-seven years here on this Earth this spiritual and moral downfall is not only a fact but in the last ten years has spiraled into what the generations behind me will know as the "norm." I'm not going to lie I went to bed last night feeling hopeless and woke up feeling defeated. I was even tempted to think maybe we are the ones who are wrong but the Lord led me to these verses this morning and I wanted to share them with you.
"But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
May you have a blessed day as you are faithful to complete the good work He has prepared and equipped you for in your work, homes, churches and communities."
3 years later and those words still ring true. What I find interesting is that the only thing that has changed is my surroundings because at the time that I wrote this I was still living at home with my parents. You may be thinking what does that have to do with any thing? Well, one thing that I have been struggling with lately is feeling a lack of security. In many ways I have missed living under the protection of my earthly father. I probably sound like the weirdest person to you ... ever ... and I'm ok with that. I fully own up to it. But living in my father's home I was secure. I lived under his mantle of physical and spiritual protection. Now that I live on my own I know that my dad still offers that to me but he is 6 and 1/2 hours away as is my big brother. The two men I relied on for years for protection are no longer in the same city as me. My brother knows that his opinion is important but I don't know if he even realizes how important it is to me. It's why I wait until I'm really sure about something before I approach him with the news because I know that whatever his reaction is it could either completely elate or deflate me and no one can put me on the defensive faster than he can. :) With my dad, his opinion is such that as I have been visiting this church I've mentioned in previous posts I have sent several emails back and forth to get his thoughts on it. After receiving the response from the pastor of that church, to some questions I had, I immediately fowarded his response to my dad. That was over a week ago and I finally had to ask my dad what he thought yesterday. It's not that I'm incapable of making a decision regarding this church on my own but I needed to know how my dad felt about the pastor there. He believes this pastor to be a solid man and I do too. I already did but having my dad confirm that was huge for me.
Another thing about my situation that has changed in the last 3 years is that I'm on the search for a new church. I had the security of a church family at that time. If you've never known the love and support of church family then oh how my heart aches for you because I have not known of a grief that is closer to the death of a family member than leaving a church you love. Being "church homeless" stinks ... yes, it's nice to have a rest and to not have to be anywhere on a Sunday but at the same time you miss not having anyone care if you miss on a Sunday. There is accountability in a church family because well it's family. The month of August was one of the loneliest months I have experienced in a long time but it was incredibly eye opening. Was I relying on people to fill a void that only the Lord could fill? Was I becoming too dependent on people? Yes.
So while my surroundings have certainly changed the issues that caused that uncertainty 3 years ago haven't but one thing I have learned is that God is so good and faithful. I guess I'm finally growing up and learning that there isn't a perfectly safe situation to be in anymore. However, living as His child I am protected ... it doesn't mean I won't experience difficult or scary situations but it does mean that I have the ultimate Source to rely on and He will never abandon me.
Anyway, those are my thoughts today. I love that scripture though and may just have to write a bit more on that passage in the coming days.
I love you all.
Blessings ...
- Melody Faith
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