EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Our emotions also take a hit when all this is put together on one plate, as we deal with losses, relationships which seem to change daily, family dynamics, and a changing arena, even in our elementary schools.
I ran into a man, probably in his 60’s in the store today who said simply, “Our world is changing.” He looked up and continued, “Lord come quickly.” Along with all the challenges already mentioned, another that needs to be addressed is our spiritual challenges.
SATAN IS BEING BUSY!
Satan seems to be gaining ground through the political segment of the population, those who seem to tread heavily on —and against —-anything that is good and right that has anything to do with Christ. We are asked to keep quiet about what we believe while others seem to have the right to share their opinions wholeheartedly, negatively, and absolutely aggressively!
HOW DO WE DEAL?
How are we, as believers, supposed to deal with this on a daily basis? It’s frustrating, discouraging, and frightening when we see our youth caving to the pressure; causing us to wonder if we’re going to make it through. Further we find ourselves us asking… ‘why?’ …Why do these things happen?
Honestly the ‘why’ can easily be answered since Jesus said that the world hated him and we certainly, as his followers, should expect no less. He never promised that we would not have difficulties. But he did promise to be with us and get us through, when we trust and believe in him.
GOD IS STILL PRESENT
As I’ve dealt with my own grief this last year, I know that God has been with me. There are times when I crumple beneath all the weight of loss, family dynamics, my own failures in fulfilling expectations, and more. Yet I find myself drawn closer to my Creator.
GROWTH HAPPENS
It is said that growth often happens unseen—and often uncomfortably! It causes us to adjust and sometimes shift our traditional thinking, perspective or emotional ties to understand. But that does not mean we are supposed to accept those things we believe are wrong?
BEING TESTED?
This may be God’s way of testing us, to show us just what it is we believe. Are we giving ‘on the fence’ lip service, to an idea or circumstance we clearly don’t agree with, and careful not to share our thoughts. Jesus shared his--even when people disagreed.
We are called to be faithful. Are we being faithful when we don’t let our peers know we can’t agree with them and then tell them why…Biblically? Are we willing to speak up? When we don’t make it clear where we stand, are we being faithful to who we say we are, or are we suggesting by our silence that we might be swayed to another way of thinking over time?
WALKING THE TALK?
Challenges face us everyday. People are taking notice of what we do…what we say.. and how we react to what goes on around us. It’s like that old expression ‘Do we walk the talk, or are we just talking the talk’?
Satan jumps with glee when we keep silent. It’s not about beating someone over the head with the Bible, but it is about growing and then being able to present a purpose and faithfulness about what we believe, especially when we face challenges and setbacks. It’s in these settings, we not only prove who we are to our peers, but to ourselves, and certainly to our Lord.
Photo Credit: Walking The Walk
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