As always, I wait to give a title due to the fact I usually don't know what my post will be about. Right now, I have the title New Beginnings come to mind because I think we tend to forget that God is the God of new beginnings. Each new chapter of our lives is a new beginning and so if you are getting out of a rough chapter in life, it's time conclude it with: "But God still has a plan!" or "And so my journey with God continues!" Whatever it may be, we can know that God is there waiting for us to turn the pages and is ready to help us continue writing our God story.
I have recently went through a difficult season in life and have been seeking the Lord constantly to help me use it for growth and change for the better. We all have that one area of struggle that seems to get at us from time to time. I am thankful that no matter what I go through or what changes seem to occur, God's love for me does not change. No matter what the enemy might be whispering or what words he uses in the mouths of others to discourage us, we have a high calling and God is always for us regardless. That is one of His countless promises we can count on! Lately, I feel like I fail too often to do what is right. Sometimes I just do what I want rather than what God would have me to do and then I go to Him feeling heavy hearted and awful. I just feel sad for people that don't know God. I know how imperfect I am and how lost I once was before I dedicated my life to Christ. I am not at all proud of the times I wondered off the good path. I grieve for those who continue to harden their hearts against the Holy God whom they will one day face. People can be so stubborn. I can be stubborn also. We are at war- all of us- believers or not! There is a war for the souls of men and there is a war against the work that we believers are trying to accomplish so that what we want to do will be ineffective. We need to fight hard to stand in the truth so that we will not be moved. We must pray constantly that we stay focused on our tasks and that our vision will not be blurred. Remember, the gate is very narrow and a few will enter.
I have just a couple things to add before I come to a close. The word endurance comes to mind. Do you know what it means to endure? It means doing things that we don't always enjoy because we know there is joy to follow. Don't miss out on the joy or look back with regret due to missed opportunities. We may not always see why God calls us to do certain things, but sometimes He may give us a glimpse. He will reward those who are faithful to Him. Hebrews 12:1 says, Run the race and stay in your own lane, the race that God has set before you. v2. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Look away from other things, look to Jesus! He finished the race, follow after Him. v3 Keep Him in view. Consider Him. Stay close. Don't let too much time or space come between you and Him.
Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
