This morning I was feeling down about a situation. The situation was one I had victory in before but over time saw that my attention to it had slipped. I immediately wondered if there was a way I could fix it quick and just have the whole thing solved. However, there was no quick fix to this. The fix was a commitment to the progress that would happen over time. The commitment was aligning what I do everyday with the end goal even when I don’t see progress or change everyday.
This revelation only came when I laid before the LORD and told HIM how I was feeling. Stuck, frustrated, and overwhelmed were the temporary feelings for the moment. The LORD responded to me that this was about commitment and that the lesson of this challenge had parallels in the Spirit.
In talking with the LORD, I was reminded of one of the things I am to receive from the LORD, something I asked for months ago. When I asked HIM for it, HE undeniably provided me with a “it is yours.” The beginning parts of that faith journey were fun and exciting. It was filled with moments of “wow GOD, thank you for doing that for me!” However, as the days and weeks and months went by, excitement turned to something else and I hit GOD with a lot of “you said….” HE faithfully reminded me that the promise hadn’t changed. This reminder sometimes came through non-responses from GOD (which I know means, “I already said what I had to say on this matter”) or a reminder of the promise and instructions to help me fuel my faith.
As I talked with the LORD this morning, I was reminded of the unwavering faith required to return with the LORD (aka the rapture). Look at what I Thessalonians says, “Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.”
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 5, 9-10 NLT
I know that situations can try to make you weary in this life as you wait for the promises of GOD. But know this: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT
These trials are the equivalent of exercise and weight training. Building your spiritual muscle now is GOD’s way of preparing you for what is to come so that you can endure to the end.
“And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:10-13 NLT
Good fathers teach everyday lessons so that their children will grow up to be successful (Happy Father’s Day!). The same is true for our Heavenly Father who is getting us to our expected end.
So be encouraged and know that GOD is not afar off. On the contrary, HE wants to be with you forever and this current situation is helping you get there!