Tough Times

I believe that God is starting to shift things in the church today and where we are all pretty much experiencing a testing of our faith. Christians today face a challenge that Christian haven't faced in a while. We are going through a pandemic. It has shifted all of our lives and has affected everyone one way or another. This has caused many to question where they are in their walk with Christ, for some it has increased their faith and for other they have lost every piece of hope they had mustered up before the pandemic hit. Or maybe some of you know the hope you have in Christ but, don’t know why the pain is so intense and really would rather feel better than wait on the promise. This pandemic has tested us beyond what we felt we were capable of. Of course it brought strength and continues to bring strength, but what if what if that really is not enough to make you feel better. For example you might ask, "what is the point of seeking God when all there is, is hurt". Well the good thing about God is that, it doesn’t matter which category you reside in in your Christian walk because God promises the same thing and that is the ability to give you rest if you just cast your burdens onto him. Don’t be upset because your faith is not where it used to be that just means you have endured so much and God needs to restore you that much more. We weren’t in this position this time last year, everything was going good compared to right now, but God is still wanting to help you. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. We can find rest in the almighty God. One thing that I believe this pandemic did was expose works based Christianity because it wasn’t sustainable. If you thought you could work your way to God, you can’t. One thing that I have learned is that if God doesn’t have your broken heart, there’s not much that you can do to get to him. That is why it so hard to read your bible, or pray, or fast with intentionality because it is not intentional unless you have laid out your burdens and your heart at the foot of the cross. He placed you in this season at this time for a reason and I know you have probably heard this many times, but "you were made for such a time as this". Let this encouragement not just stop with you,but let someone else know the joy and the assurance that we have in the Lord.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of like that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

Challenge: If you know someone that is also struggling or even if they are not, they will at some point so just let them know you are praying for them and give some words of encouragement. That can go a long way for someone and only God knows how much that small act of obedience can do for that person as well as for you.

Prayer

God help us be people that will not think that we can handle this on our own because we know that your strength is enough, and your power is greater than anything we think is beyond our ability to handle. Lord I cast out all anxiety, fear, and depression in the name of Jesus and any lie that the enemy placed into my mind. Remind me that all you ask for is my broken and contrite heart and then you will be able to work inside of me to do what you have decided for me to do long before the foundation of the world. I long to see your face more, so give me a hunger for your word and to do what pleases you. I give you all the honor, glory, and praise, Amen.