Challenges are coming our way. It's not a matter of if, but when. Are you ready? Some of what we must face will feel like we're running a gauntlet. Our personal challenges and crisis will not be the same, and they will come into our lives for diverse reasons, yet we as believers share a commonality of the battle. And we need to be ready to fight.
I can remember thinking that I had nothing to be concerned about, that when I'd face my battles God would be there. He'd give me whatever I needed. To a degree that's true, but as believers we're not without responsibility. Hebrews 5:12-14 makes it clear we're not to remain infants, living on milk, but we must mature by feeding on the solid food of God's Word.
God is with us. He loves us. He is our Father and we can trust Him to stand with us. Time, experience and study of The Word builds our relationship with The Father and we will become true comrades, linked arm in arm, ready for battle.
Ask yourself,"Do I REALLY know Him well? If not, why not?"
He offers us all we need--His presence, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His Son. Therefore, if we're not well acquainted it's our fault not His. If God seems far away take a close, honest look at your spiritual walk. You will discover the reason for the distance. I can assure you it is not God who has moved away. If you long to know God commit to discovering Him. He is waiting.
Don't be afraid. God understands that growth takes time. He will meet us where we are. I've experienced that many times. One of the most dramatic events was many years ago when my now thirty-year-old daughter was just eight months old. She contracted spinal meningitis. In a coma and with septicemia I feared she'd die. My husband and I were baby Christians with little spiritual knowledge. God understood and provided faith and close friends. They held us and prayed for us and for our daughter. I will never forget those dear ones who were mature in their faith and stood with us in our time of trouble.
Since that time I've walked through many fires with the Lord and I've matured, yet am still far from the mark of perfection. Today God expects more from me than He did all those years ago. I'm no longer a babe, nor should I be. Because of His Word, prayer, worship and experiencing the ups and downs of life I've come to know God and to trust Him more. I still struggle, but I have a history with God and know I can count on Him.
Ephesians 6:10 - 18 offers a list of weapons we all need. Hold onto them. They will not let you down.
Be strong in the Lord and be ready.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
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Thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteSheila, you're so welcome. We need one another. Family is family even if we only connect here on the internet.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace to you,
Bonnie
I hear you, Bonnie. When we were first saved, God sent mature people to surround us while we were learning His word and His ways.
ReplyDeleteNow it's our turn to be there for the babes in Christ! As Psalm 71 says,"Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come."
Julie, so good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing the verse--what a good reminder to us all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful for those who have come alongside to guide, teach and support me throughout the years.
Blessings to you,
Bonnie
Thank you, Bonnie. Your words are rich.
ReplyDeleteI'm online again and signed up for your blog posts. Keep 'em coming!
Miriam
Hi Miriam. How wonderful to hear from you! Thanks so much for your words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI'm doing my best to "write on". :-)
Hugs,
Bonnie