Faithful Friday: Not Lost

Let me tell you, not having a dish washing machine leaves plenty of time to do dishes.  On one such day as today I used the opportunity to listen to my bible app.  Here's what struck me right off the bat, first chapter of Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 1:8 {NIV}
Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD. {emphasis mine}
1:17-19
But you gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you.  Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them.  And I for my part have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and a bronze wall, against the whole land-against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land.  They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you. {Again emphasis mine}

I AM WITH YOU.  This wonderous promise is repeated several times throughout the old and new testament.  Repeatedly, from Abram onward, God tells us not to be afraid because He is with us.   It strikes me as I read this promise in the context of verse 1:19 that God is recognizing that while there is genuine cause for alarm, real and present circumstances, He will guide and comfort us through it. 

We live in a society that values comfort, ease, going along to get along.  We often say things like, "if it's meant to be, it'll be," but what we frequently mean is: if it's meant to be it will be easy.  While I believe that there are times when we are trying too hard to force our will or speed God's will along, I protest against the idea of God's will falling into place without any effort on our part as instruments to reveal His glory.

As God's children we will face storms and trials that will be painful.  We'll hit bumps in the road and stalls in our journey.  Sometimes those storms and trials come from the enemy trying to derail us; sometimes it's God shaking things up, moving us along or slowing us down, but all the while reminding us of our dependence on Him.  God doesn't deny these unfavorable circumstances; instead He offers us an opportunities to draw nearer to Him.

While we shouldn't recklessly seek difficulty and launch ourselves unprepared into battles we're not meant to fight, let us not give up simply because the going gets tough.  Maybe your path is increasingly strenuous because God's plans require you to strengthen new muscles in a season of growth. Or maybe God is inviting you to slow down so you can see His provision, His alternatives.

They say if you're lost- stay put.  Dear ones, as God's children we may get confused but we  are never lost; He is with us and He has the directions. God promises to be with us, to deliver us as we abide in Him.  Slow down, but do not give up.  Calm your frantic mind and surrender to the One who knew you before He formed you in your mother's womb.  Ask Him to guide you through this season of difficulty, to give you the words to speak and to set your feet on the proper path.

Be blessed and a blessing.