We've all been there, haven't we? We've all been in a valley, walking through it, with evil on all sides. Adversity, persecution, affliction.....these are not exempt from the children of God. Many Christians have overcome and many have succumbed. Many are victors and many are victims.
So, what is the key to crossing that mountain and receiving the manifestations of what we have asked of the Lord? Consistence. Consistence and perseverance. Keeping our eyes and hearts on His truths, without changing our minds....
I am guilty of wavering on many occasions in my walk with the Lord. Circumstances have arisen and at times it has been incredibly difficult to not let those circumstances almost consume me. For many years back in the 90's I battled a disease called Epstein-Barr Virus. Along with this scourge of an illness came other diagnoses such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and a host of others. It was painful and debilitating and I lived most my days curled up on the couch with a blanket and my Bible. People didn’t understand what I was going through and not many stepped up to the plate to offer help out of fear of catching this virus. There were many times that I said to God, “Yes, God, I know the Word says that You deliver us from all of our afflictions, BUT.....why I am still suffering? Yes, God, I know that you said that when I sow I will reap, BUT.....where is the harvest? Yes, God, I know that you said that I WAS healed, but what if I don't get well?”
I believe that God understands our doubts. He is not condemning us. Only satan condemns. After all, God realizes that we are living in this human flesh, with soulish thoughts and tendencies. He is merciful to us and when we fall, He is there to pick us up, dust off our knees and teach us His ways so that our path can again be made straight. But even though He is longsuffering and merciful, He still makes it clear that we are to be obedient if we are to receive His blessings that He promises in His Word...
James 1:2-8 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double–minded man, unstable in all he does….Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
When Jesus is calling you to trust Him, as He did when He beckoned to Peter to step out of the boat and walk upon the water, are you saying to Him, "Yeah, but.....what if?"
If you are speaking these words now or you have spoken these words in the past, repent today and ask the Lord to forgive you for not trusting Him. Start over again with your faith firmly established in The One who promises to deliver us, and this time, be consistent and persevere, walking by faith and not by sight...
Copyright ©. Words To Heart Ministries, Inc.
Kimberly Lemler, Minister/Teacher. 1993-2023+
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