It is not uncommon for believers to become discouraged the more we are growing in our relationship with God. The idea that Satan comes in and tries to trip us up just as we begin to walk in Christ is very real. He seeks to steal and destroy. I’ve lived it many times, and am possibly going through it again. But something else has been on my heart as to why I sometimes feel doubts of God’s faithfulness creeping in. It’s a different approach to this age old problem, that doesn’t blame it all on Satan, and that just may encourage you (and hopefully me too!)
So, this thing called salvation that we accept, live for and study is great news! We were dead in our trespasses in need of something to satisfy the wrath of God. Our only hope is Jesus Christ who took on flesh to live like us, to identify with us and to die for us. He rose again so that we will too! I get it. I believe it wholeheartedly! And I am grateful!
“So why the long face,” you ask. Well, life gets in the way sometimes and darkens the light. I get sad, regretful and resentful because I want peace, darn it!! I don’t want to live with consequences. I don’t want to wait. I want my family members to be what I want them to be. The list of “I wants” is endless! Anyone relating here?! So, I guess I want it all, and I want it now! (oompa loompa anyone?) I get to the point where I have had enough of the struggle and want the good stuff. Enough of the main course, I want dessert! After all, I am being obedient! (mostly) I am a better person than I used to be! (for the most part)
But what’s all this “I and me “stuff? Aha! It is my self-centeredness as much as it is Satan that is demanding my attention. It is my desire for peace, harmony and general accord that is prevailing over my desire to worship. My focus needs to move from inward to upward. God is so much bigger and loving Him so much more important than anything here. What I am failing to see in these moments is the stark difference between this world and the next, heaven. God’s word says that eye has not seen and ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him. Nowhere does the Bible say that just because I have decided to get it together with the God stuff that life will be all rainbows and puppy dogs here! That’s what we would like to think, but we know better. I know better. My fleshly self wants that. But Jesus tells me to take up my cross. He promises to take my yoke upon Himself; to ease my burdens. And He does. Always. By the way, The," I'm a relatively good person." stuff doesn't cut it. It is not my doing, but what Jesus did for me that saves me.
So, yes “Get thee behind thee Satan!” but also, “Quit being so selfish and impatient, Terri! God’s got this, and in His timing, not yours!!” And while I’m here, spending my time reaching out and sharing the good news is way more fun that wallowing in my own self-pity.
And what would I do with an oompa loompa anyway? ;)
Thank you God for saving me. Thank you for reminding me of your sovereignty and holiness. Help me to move my focus from me to you daily, if not hourly. In Jesus’ name I pray.
So, this thing called salvation that we accept, live for and study is great news! We were dead in our trespasses in need of something to satisfy the wrath of God. Our only hope is Jesus Christ who took on flesh to live like us, to identify with us and to die for us. He rose again so that we will too! I get it. I believe it wholeheartedly! And I am grateful!
“So why the long face,” you ask. Well, life gets in the way sometimes and darkens the light. I get sad, regretful and resentful because I want peace, darn it!! I don’t want to live with consequences. I don’t want to wait. I want my family members to be what I want them to be. The list of “I wants” is endless! Anyone relating here?! So, I guess I want it all, and I want it now! (oompa loompa anyone?) I get to the point where I have had enough of the struggle and want the good stuff. Enough of the main course, I want dessert! After all, I am being obedient! (mostly) I am a better person than I used to be! (for the most part)
But what’s all this “I and me “stuff? Aha! It is my self-centeredness as much as it is Satan that is demanding my attention. It is my desire for peace, harmony and general accord that is prevailing over my desire to worship. My focus needs to move from inward to upward. God is so much bigger and loving Him so much more important than anything here. What I am failing to see in these moments is the stark difference between this world and the next, heaven. God’s word says that eye has not seen and ear has not heard what God has ready for those who love him. Nowhere does the Bible say that just because I have decided to get it together with the God stuff that life will be all rainbows and puppy dogs here! That’s what we would like to think, but we know better. I know better. My fleshly self wants that. But Jesus tells me to take up my cross. He promises to take my yoke upon Himself; to ease my burdens. And He does. Always. By the way, The," I'm a relatively good person." stuff doesn't cut it. It is not my doing, but what Jesus did for me that saves me.
So, yes “Get thee behind thee Satan!” but also, “Quit being so selfish and impatient, Terri! God’s got this, and in His timing, not yours!!” And while I’m here, spending my time reaching out and sharing the good news is way more fun that wallowing in my own self-pity.
And what would I do with an oompa loompa anyway? ;)
Thank you God for saving me. Thank you for reminding me of your sovereignty and holiness. Help me to move my focus from me to you daily, if not hourly. In Jesus’ name I pray.
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