There is no way around it. As sure as the day is long whether I am rich, or I am poor troubling times are bound to show up. It’s the perils of life that no man can escape.
I am a new believer and if you’re reading this you may be one as well. some of you may be in search of becoming one.
I hope this heartfelt article reaches you doing well through a difficult time. My mind has been made up to live a righteous life pleasing to God. In a world where anything goes this can be very hard at times but easy when you look at how empty the thoughts of mankind can be.
Feeling as if i’m not a good enough disciple often creeps in my mind. I begin to think do I pray enough? Do I read the bible enough? Am i just going through the motions without making any real connections with my heavenly father? All of these things creep into my mind daily. Then life begins to dish out an array of haymakers.
My job cut my hours during these inflated times and that is enough to carry a level of stress. I’ve been denied help relief from the government and yet my taxes and insurance payments are rising. To top that all off my health takes a decline.
Ugh I’m not sure how much more I can take! This has made a subconscious impact on me that I wasn’t realizing causing me to shy away from my daily devotion.
When we are weak These are the times God shows us his strength. Trouble doesn’t last always and I’m learning how to pray during difficult times. As a new beginner here is my perspective.
Storms are sure to come our way.
The rain doesn’t just drop selectively when it falls anyone without a covering is sure to get wet.
There’s a scene in one of my favorite movie franchises “rocky” starring Sylvester Stallone where he has a talk with is son who was having a difficult time in life.
He listens to his son complain and when he finally gets it all out Balboa wisely tells him “Nothing punches harder than life. it will knock you to the ground and it will keep you there if you let it. It’s not how hard you can hit but how hard you can get hit and keep going. That’s how winning is done and you aint no loser!” That line from that scene always gives me chills no matter how many times i see it.
I can be rest assured that God feels the same way! Those that persevere shall reap the rewards. The more hard the times get the more I know I can lean on God to make it through.
These are the times to lean more on his promises. Not just when times are good. It’s easy to be afraid of the howling winds, loud Thunder & lightning , heavy rains and run back to what feels comfortable and safe as a new believer. This is what the enemy is hoping for. You fall back into a comfortable self. Be very mindful that self will put you back into the darkness. There’s nothing comfortable about growth! This is the time to Talk to him.
You are worthy
The love of Christ isn’t what many will have you believe it to be. To be clear he loves you through all of your trials, mistrial, flaws and all. All that is required is for you to reach out and commune with him. I always carried around a guilt that if I don’t attend church I am not good enough for God.
As I begin to dive deeper in the teachings of christ i’m finding out it’s my heart the lord is after not my weekly attendance. This doesn’t mean I shouldn’t attend Sunday services it means he needs more from me to have a connection. Am i truly seeking his presence or am I going through the motions because I think “this is what it takes”?
These things can have a crippling effect on a new believers faith because you don’t feel like you may be authentically maturing in Christ. I want to share with you that you ARE good enough and there is no need to jump through hoops for his affection.
He loves you and wants to connect with you often. He knows your hearts desires he knows your strengths he knows your weaknesses. Trust and believe in him EVERYDAY your feet hit the floor. You are worthy. Talk to him.
Your thoughts are lying
During these rough patches my mind began to play tricks on me. I thought i’ll never be able to get out of the weeds financially if I fall behind. I don’t pray hard enough or long enough to please God. My Bible study practices aren’t strong enough.
All of these things have come across my mind as life began delivering vicious blows. It was an instagram reel by Johnny chang (I hope I am spelling his name correct) check him out when you can. He stated that the bible can actually be a distraction if we are only reading to fulfill a personal need.
Use the word of God to seek christ and learn of his love. Not just a checklist of things to do because we feel it’s what he requires of us. He’s after our hearts that we may trust him and give him glory and praise through out daily interactions. I do pray long enough and I do pray “hard” enough. The Bible is my refuge and a strong tower and from it I will renew my mind and change my heart.
Slow down your life and Listen for the lord. Prayer is a line of communication and it works like a 2 way street. You talk to the lord and then you sit and listen to him!
Leaving you with this.
As a new believer you are like a babe fresh out the womb. Still suckling from the breast while crawling around trying to find its way. You won’t get it right half the time. As you begin to rise you will fall but as a baby would GET RIGHT BACK UP! Stay the course on seeking righteousness as your life depends on it.
In a world where men are becoming lovers of self it’s imperative that we become more conscious and mindful of the love of Jesus Christ the world needs. Seek change, make a change, and spread the word of Jesus Christ. May the spirit of the lord be with you always!
Until next time,
Geoff
““Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?”
Matthew 6:25 NIV
