Relentless Pursuit In The Midst Of Chaos And Conflict
Today’s chosen scripture really sticks out in my mind, especially in light of all of the chaos of the world today. The world seems so crazy these days. There is seemingly so much to do, and seemingly so many loose ends. Perhaps it is because we are overloaded with information via the internet. And maybe it is also because the media continually magnifies all of the conflict and strife because that is what sells.
If we are not careful, it is easy to become disturbed and distracted from our calling. If we get caught up in the chaos, we can get overwhelmed. And if we are not focused on our goals and our purpose, there is a huge chance that we will never reach our potential and fulfill the unique purpose that God intended just for us. So what are we to do?
Image courtesy of: -Charlotte Gonzalez-
Scripture:
“But you, man of God, flee from all of this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” – 1 Timothy 6:11
Observation/Application:
Today’s scripture helps us focus on what is truly important in this life – righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Notice what is not in the list – money, power, status. These things are only temporary. What God desires for us is eternal. His desire is for us to be blessed both in heaven and on earth. But this will not come without challenge.
When challenges come, when the enemy comes, that is when we lean on God to fight our battles. In this life there will be trouble. And when people who we have deeply invested in with our time and our hearts let us down, it’s very easy to lose heart. It is very easy to cry out, “why God”?
But the result is not always for us to determine. Obedience means to do what the Lord asks us to do. Sometimes we don’t always get what we want. But God will always make sure that his faithful have what they need. And when we are obedient and faithful over the little, let us not grow weary of impatient waiting on the promise. As Steve Harvey says, if God promised it, then you can count on it. The package has already shipped, we just don’t know when it is going to be delivered.
Having patience and strength is often easier said than done. We know the flesh is weak. We know that in this life there will be trouble. We know that we are going to be let down. We know not everyone is going to like us or what we have to say. But that doesn’t mean that we should let it deteriorate our character, our trust in the Lord, or wrinkle our faith. That’s just life.
So let us continue pursuing righteousness even when we have been let down. Let us pursue godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness even when that is not how we have been treated. Let us stand firm in the middle of the storm. Don’t fall into the trap of the dark forces of this world. Rise above. Walk in love. And be of encouraged and of good cheer, seeking the Lord, and praising his holy name.
#Be-Encouraged-And-Of-Good-Cheer!
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Fill my heart with peace and love. Light my path and guide my every step in the middle of all of this darkness. Help me to forgive those who continually let me down. Give me an understanding heart. Give us confidence in your promise, and patience and strength to see it through. We give you all the honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Today’s full reading: 2 Kings 11,12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6
Scripture References From Today’s Reflection:
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” – Proverbs 3:5-6
- “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
- “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26
- “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
- “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
- “So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven’.” – Matthew 6:9,10
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