January 7, 2008

Many messages bring in countless conversions, but a year later few are continuing in their emotional decision for Christ. Why? Because becoming a Christian doesn’t make your life free from trials as many would hope.

There is hope and peace in a life with God but that hope and peace are found amongst trials and attacks from the enemy when in the world most people would have no hope and no peace.

The word says in this life you will have trials and tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. I can’t think of one person written in the Bible where everything was hunky dory. Each one is a story about how God rescued them, saw them through, or delivered them through their bad choices and the battles set before them.

I love God with everything in me. I desire to serve Him all my life. He speaks to me and I talk with Him but you know what?

• I have felt the abandonment of my father.
• I was married to a man who abused alcohol.
• I struggled to make my bills as a single mom.
• I have two stepsons not walking with the Lord.
• I still have to wait to get my child support.
• The enemy still attacks my household and me.

I have my share of trials, because that’s a guarantee when we live in this world. Being a Christian didn’t free me from trials or temptations.

But—being a Christian gives me a heavenly Father to run to when the world seems overwhelming. I can choose to worship Him, who is in control, as a sacrifice of praise when the enemy has done everything to make me weary. In His presence nothing else matters. Everything is put into perspective. For everything there is a season.

• I’m no longer living with a man who didn’t cherish me or love himself enough to change.
• I make my bills every month and even get to bless others.
• The enemy attacks but my God has the victory! My God gives me the weapons to fight spiritually. The Holy Spirit teaches me to use them.
• I will see my stepsons come to the Lord, because I’m pleading the blood of Jesus  over their lives.
• I have the hope that this too will pass.

I refuse to allow the enemy to cause me to give up and faint, because my God is faithful and I can do all things through Him that strengthens me!

I can say this, because I am committed to doing it God’s way. You can’t ask God into your life and add Him like a new piece of furniture into your home—he must be the new house you learn to live in. We are added to His kingdom not Him to ours. He is the King in His kingdom not us. As a Christian, we do things His way—not ours. For His ways are higher than ours. Christianity doesn’t work unless your heart is completely given to the Lord.

Just like a marriage, each person has to give 100% not 50/50! One person can’t keep living as if he is single and keep a marriage together. There must be:

• Commitment
• Communication
• Time spent together
• A giving up of what you want
• Faithfulness

In a relationship with the Lord, a lack of commitment is called spiritual adultery. God is more forgiving than man.

He has given His 100%. Are you willing to give yours?

Janet F.

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