Friday, November 5, 2010

When Your Life Seems Empty and Dry

    There will come a time in your spiritual walk with God when your life will become dry.  You might even lean toward hopelessness because nothing is going on in your life as you planned. There was once a time in my life when I lost my faith. That's right. I just stopped believing God would answer my prayers.  I went into an area of depression and didn't think anyone cared about what went wrong in my life. This was a real down time for me.  When this happens to you (and it will), don't give up.  Why not give up?  Because God didn't take you through your many tests and trials just to let you sit by the wayside and die.  That's not the kind of God He is.
    I was in a pit for a minute, just like Daniel was in the lion's den, but I couldn't stay down for long.  As a single parent and a performing vocalist for many years, I was always one to be depended upon.  Though I was tired of not being able to depend on others for a change, I couldn't give up.  I knew there was something in God's Word that would fit my situation, so I looked for it.
    I found Scriptures spoken by Jesus when He spoke to His disciples:  "Lo I will be with you always, even unto the end of the world."  I also found comfort when Jesus said, "I will never leave nor forsake you," and, one of my favorites, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matt 11:28-30.
    God gives us life.  Like the Bible tells the story of the Samarian women who came to Jesus at the well asking for water.  He told her He could give her living water, which means receiving spiritual richness through living our lives for Him.  There's a peace beyond all understanding that He gives us when we live our lives for Him.  When something goes wrong at your job or in your home, you may not like it, but you can endure it with that certain peace that only God gives when we follow His way.

Praying For Your Enemies

     You may have to pray for your enemies sometimes. This may mean moving Mr. Pride or Sis. Selfish out of the way for the moment. Jesus told His disciples, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. (Matt. 5:44). This is not easy, but when you can get to this point in your walk with Christ, it’s a beautiful thing. And it doesn’t matter where you pray. You may want to cry out to God while in your livingroom, bedroom or even your bathroom, as I once did, when I asked Him for peace.
     I prayed that God would keep my neighbors so busy they wouldn’t have time to be inconsiderate, mean and disrespectful toward me just because I serve Him. I prayed that God would put something in their lives that would humble them, and cause them to pray – something that would make them realize how hurtful they were. Why did I pray in this manner? Because I knew first hand that it would open their eyes. I told God that I was His servant and that I needed an instant response. Most times, I've had to wait on God's timing to get a response, but on this day, He heard my cry and gave me total peace.
     God does answer prayers.


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