The demands of daily life are enough alone to push us away from the path the Lord desires. Think back to when we were little children, how large and impossible these demands were to overcome. To us, having to take a nap was the end of the world. Yet as we got older we realized how petty that really was. Now we look back and long for those days, wishing we could just nap and have time to just shut down from the outside world.
Surroundings
Now as adults we can quickly be consumed by what is around us. Whether it is family, work, health, personal (those deep down demons that shame us), everyone has something that lays heavy on them. Being ashamed is different than being fearful. We may be ashamed of ourselves, yet fearful of judgment. When we were little we didn’t want to be judged as badly because we may not get a surprise or be able to stay up a little later. As adults we fear the judgment of those around us and we think that no one will accept or like us. By the Gospel we have been given the chance to leave a lasting legacy, one to be satisfied with and to be remembered by. What will be your defining characteristic? Will it be that shame and fear of the world? Or will it be the word of God that you let shine through your struggle?
Little Children
1 John 4:4 says, “little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world”.
We are still, in a way, little children, and as our parents have guided us to hold off that snack for a more nourishing supper, the Lord guides us to a more nourishing food: grace and love. In that moment, we ought to turn to ourselves and scream, “Stop! Do not fret, do not worry, ask the Lord for his word.” This week I have had to say this many times, however, the emotions I was focused on blocked my ears from God’s word. After speaking to a close brother I was able to calm myself and the Lord’s word spoke loud and clear. Grace and love, neither of those two things did I want to exhibit, but the Lord had other plans, so I left it to him. As his child, he guided me. I have since found calm in the midst of the storm. I understand my place.
What Now?
THE STRUGGLE is not always the same; it never has the same face. Some are silent and some are loud. It is a daily and constant part of being a faithful servant. Can we live our days seeking his word and shining grace and love upon the world? Will we challenge the Devil and let God consume the darkness (John 1:5) or will we back down and take the easy road?
[guestpost]Tim Campbell was born in Cincinnati, Ohio way back in the 1900’s. He is a loving husband and father of three beautiful children. He attended Cincinnati Christian University for youth ministry and served 8 years in the Army as an Armorer. Connect with him on Facebook.[/guestpost]
