Let's face it: Often times we feel discouraged and dismayed. And sometimes we do lose our way. We go astray...and the enemy tries to take away all the joy, the security, the refuge, and the love that we have in Jesus Christ. The enemy tries to allure us with the things of this world, and take our focus away from the Bread of Life. And once he succeeds, he tramples on us, mocks us, and accuses us endlessly; until we feel like there's no turning back; no roundabout. He fills our minds with a bunch of lies, and will do just about anything to prevent us from turning back to Christ, and living in His light. But when we seek the Lord with all our hearts, and persevere in prayer and supplication, the enemy and His plans of destruction for us are defeated; because prayer moves the hand of God. And in Him we always have victory! No matter what Satan tries to do against us, when we come to the Lord for help, He's always there to rescue and restore us! I know this to be true because I have been through it.
As a result of personal spiritual persecution and warfare I can say this with all the conviction of my heart: I can do nothing by my own strength. I may try as I might but it will be in vain! In contrast, all things are possible in Jesus Christ! Therefore, although I am the scum of the earth, I will make myself available for His service. I am not able; but the Lord is! I am not strong; But the Lord is! I do not know what the future holds, but the Lord does! I may not see how His plans for me will unfold, but I'll trust in Him!
From now on, I will not be anxious. I will not be dismayed. I will simply let the Lord lead the way. I will strive to follow Him in humility and obedience; obedience to His Word and commands. And with me, will be the Counselor!; the Holy Spirit of God who strengthens me, and empowers me to live a Christ-like life; who reminds of who I am in Christ. It is the Spirit of God who grants me faith to believe. It was He who convicted me of the Truth. It is He who enables me to believe in the Word of God with all of my heart. And it is He who daily guides my actions, my thoughts, and the words that I say. That is not to say that I'm perfect. As a matter of fact, I'm far from it. I sin every day. That is why I so desperately need God's grace and mercy in my life. That is why, I need the guidance, consul and encouragement of His Holy Spirit; to teach to walk effectively in God's light, and to keep me from making a habit out of sin. (In other words, the act of sinning should be accidental, as opposed to deliberate when we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.)
I have personally come to find, that all that I can do, is strive to live a life that resembles that of Jesus Christ, with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit of God. All that I can really do is seek His face, and pray. In addition to reading His Word every day, meditating upon it and putting it into practice. I realize now, that things are much simpler than I originally thought them to be. I had been carrying a burden that was not mine to carry. I had placed upon my shoulders a weight that was never meant for me. I have come to understand, that there's a time and place for everything. I cannot hasten harvest season. Harvest will only come in due time. And in the meantime, all I can do is remain in Christ. For the Jesus says in the book of John, chapter 15, verse 4:
"Remain in Me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the Vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me."
(John 15:4; NIV Study Bible)
(John 15:4; NIV Study Bible)
I would like to conclude by saying this: If you can relate to the situation described above, I would humbly and yet strongly encourage you to cry out to God, pour your heart out to Him, lay your burdens down, place your trust in Him, and let Him lead the way. I can assure you that if you do so, you will not be discouraged or dismayed. That is the case, because you will no longer be relying on your strength; but rather on the Mighty strength of the Lord our God, to carry you, to guide you, to teach you, to transform you, and to use you for the glory of His Holy Name! (Hallelujah!)
This is my sincere and heartfelt prayer to the Father in Heaven:
May the Lord our God enable us to rest assured in His promises for each and everyone of us, as we seek His face, put our trust in Him alone, and strive to live lives which resemble that of Christ.
May the enemy flee as we place our hope in Thee Lord!
May his arrows be broken, and his weapons against us be destroyed!
May we be set free from the traps of he who does nothing but deceive!
Let us stand firm in Christ forever and always!
Let us not be dismayed or afraid; for there will come a day when all your glorious promises to the saints will be fulfilled! (Hallelujah!)
Each and everyone of them shall come to pass! (Hallelujah!); none will ever be forgotten!
Let us fight the good fight of faith until the very end!
It is in Jesus' name that I pray,
Amen & Amen!All glory be to God!
Forever & Always!
Amen & Amen!
