Thursday, November 30, 2023

I have a friend who recently came to faith in Christ. Everything is new, but his eyes and heart have opened up to embracing changes in his Christian life as he continues learning about prayer, Scripture, worship, and attending weekly services.

The first time we met in the Findlay campus lobby, I heard the joy in his voice as he declared his faith to a small group of us. But I also saw the pain in his eyes. He heard God for the first time when everything started. Difficult times brought this guy to Christ when he needed God the most, and turning his focus was a necessary blessing.

Each next step increased his faith early on, but then the questions came. More questions than answers lived in his mind:

Why am I living better, but my family life continues to struggle?

Why don’t people believe that I have changed?

Is any of this worth it?

Although my friend’s experience helped him realize the blessing he has in Christ, it wasn’t easy for him. He was tempted to completely give up. He began to realize it wasn’t just one decision, but making the decision each day to die to himself and live for Christ.

God knows this will be a journey for us and sends encouragement through his Word.

Galatians 6:9
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Navigating rough waters is challenging, especially when we can’t always see the lighthouse guiding the way. There is an unseen enemy, who desires to derail our progress. We lose steam when the results take more time than we’d like or think they should. We lose focus and break away because we confuse our time with God’s perfect timing. Surrounding ourselves with others on the journey helps us stay pointed in the right direction, so that we may reap the blessings God has planned.

Like my friend is doing, keep your eyes on Jesus and be encouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:6
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Questions:
How did you feel when you persevered through your biggest challenges? Do you remember the feeling you had when you wanted to give up? How did you navigate that?

Next Steps:
Don’t attempt to make it through a challenge by yourself. Pray about the course you’re on. Tell friends and church leaders about the difficulties you’re facing. Learn how others have persevered by diving into Scripture, or step into a more vulnerable place and share your challenges with your Group members. If you’re not in a Group, take that next step and join one.

Prayer:
Lord, I don’t always know where I’m going, but I know how I’ll get there because I belong to you. Everything is worth it when we do it for the right reason. Help me share my blessings with others so they can know what’s waiting on the other side of their challenges. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.