Weakness 

   “What I do, I do not understand.  For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate.” (Romans 7: 15) 

   Sometimes it seems I’m doing pretty good in living my life for God; that I’m serving Him well.  Then I find myself binge watching some stupid television series that contributes nothing of God to my day.  My weakness arises again.

   I believe that when I get a bit prideful, thinking how well my spiritual life is going because of my efforts the Lord shows me that it is all because of His spirit within me that I can do any good at all.  I don’t think He withdraws from me, just gives me enough rope to tie myself up in knots.

   I should know better by now; this is not a new occurrence.  Each time it happens I promise to do better and apologize to God for my weakness, asking for Him to strengthen me.  But I must accept the strength He offers, not expect Him to force it upon me.  It requires action on my part; acknowledging my weaknesses and focusing on dealing with them with His help.

   I have no doubt that these ups and downs will continue.  My prayer is that I can recognize the weaknesses sooner, turn to God more quickly and use the strength He brings to overcome them.

 Life’s Mission 

   Why did God make you?  God made me to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven.  (Baltimore Catechism) 

   For many years the Baltimore Catechism was used to help children better understand their faith.  As in the quote above, it was in question and answer format and was quite basic since it was developed for youngsters just beginning to learn more about their faith.  Even for adults, however, it is good to get back to the basics from time to time.

   There are many “missions” in life and different people take different paths throughout their lives.  But the essential mission is to come to know and love our God.  It was He who made us, He loves us, and He wants us to spend eternity with Him in the heavenly home He has prepared for us.

   It is good to strive to be successful in this life if that success is properly used.  Wealth can be a good thing, especially if it is used to help those in need.  Fame can provide a voice to praise God for the blessings one has received.  But when these things become the primary desires of our life they can be turned to evil rather than good. 

   The danger arises when we let our mission in this life over-ride our mission for eternal life.  We cannot allow the riches, fame, or whatever else drives our life in this world to push aside what is waiting for us in the next life.  When this life is over our only treasure will be the treasures we have stored up in heaven.

   “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matt 16: 26).

 Never Alone 

   “When you walk through a storm hold your head up high and don’t be afraid of the dark.  At the end of the storm there’s a golden sky and the sweet silver song of a lark. (“You’ll Never Walk Alone”, lyrics by Rogers and Hammerstein) 

   There are times when all seems dark.  Times when we’ve lost hope and see no way forward.  But hope is always there for us if we trust in the Lord.  If we lose that hope then we truly are lost in the darkness. 

   However, no matter what may come our way, we are never alone.  The Lord is with us always.  We get afraid, we feel as though we have been abandoned and we are all by ourselves; but it isn't true.  When we reach out to God, He will always be there to help us.

   Jesus promised us, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8: 12).  We all face times when it’s hard to find the light and we feel that we have no one to turn to, but the light is always there for us.  Even though we may not see it, the light of Christ is with us, the darkness cannot overcome Him.  If we trust the light, the light will lead us home though we may not even know the road we travel.

   So, as the song says, “Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone."

 The Ways of God 

   “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55: 8 – 9) 

   I struggled for years trying to understand the ways of God; trying to know His plans and His thoughts.  Such struggles are useless and serve no purpose except as a distraction from how I should approach my God.

   Finally I realized that is not up to me to know or understand His ways or His thoughts, it is up to me to submit myself to His will whether I understand or not. My place is not to question but to accept His will regardless of what it may bring.     

   “Be still and know that I am God!   I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46: 10).  These are the words I must live by; the words that will help me understand and accept that is not necessary that I understand, but to trust in Him in all things.

 Praise the Lord 

   “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.” (Psalm 98: 4) 

   We often go through life never taking the time to praise God for all of the blessings He bestows upon us.  We accept them as if they are what we deserve rather than the gift of a loving, caring God.

   When a tragedy arises many turn to God to pray for His assistance, but how many stop to give Him thanks and praise when their prayers are answered.  Again, it seems we only think of God when we want or need something.

   A family medical emergency has reminded me again of how lax we can become in giving all praise, thanks and glory to God.  A situation in which there seemed to be no hope for recovery has become a recovery beyond what anyone expected.

   When the event occurred prayer requests went out to all family, friends, and anyone else we could think of to storm heaven with prayer.  Now is the time to recognize that prayer is a powerful cure in any situation and to give God the glory and praise for answering our prayers.

   I give thanks and praise for the wisdom and knowledge of the medical personnel who worked so hard to turn this tragedy around and I give praise to God who blessed them with the intelligence and desire to become the fantastic caregivers that they are.

   But above all else I give praise and thanksgiving to God for what I consider the miracle He has performed.

 Under the Wings of God 

   “O Lord our God, grant us to trust in Your overshadowing wings; protect us beneath them and bear us up.”  (St. Augustine) 

   Many times we go through life thinking we are sufficient unto ourselves.  We believe we have it under control, and all is well.  Then something happens to show us very clearly that nothing at all is really under our control.  Those are the times when God lifts us up and protects us under His wings.

   Our strength is often not enough; we find ourselves helpless, unable to endure.  The circumstances are such that we can see no clear way forward.  But no matter the problem, no matter how high the mountain we must climb our God is always there with us.  He will strengthen, He will comfort, He will help us through.  He will carry us in His arms and comfort us.

   As the psalmist says,  “Say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.’  He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare, from the destroying plague.  He will shelter you with his pinions, and under his wings you may take refuge:  his faithfulness is a protecting shield.” (Psalm 91: 2 – 4).

 

 Finding Comfort in God 

“Remember your word to your servant by which you give me hope.  This is my comfort in affliction, your promise that gives me life.” (Psalm 119: 49 – 50)

 

Life is full of problems and trials, some trivial, some extremely difficult.  We need to find a source for comfort and strength in those times.  That comfort can be found in God.

Jesus brought healing and comfort to so many when He walked this earth.  He still brings that comfort to those who turn to Him in their suffering.  His mercy and His love is endless; no problem is so difficult that He cannot help.

In our humanity we cannot understand all the ways of God.  His plan is perfect even though we can’t fully know what His plan may be.  In prayer we can place our problems before Him in confidence.  He will not refuse our petitions, though His solution may not be the one we would have desired.  It is in those times that we must trust in Him and have faith that all is in His hands and will ultimately result in good.

When life becomes seems unbearable God is always there, reaching out to us.  He loves us, He cares for us; we are His children.  When we turn to Him in faith and trust His ways, we can bear whatever cross we may be called to carry.