Pastor’s Mid-Week Refuel
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED – PRESS ON
I was recently talking with a long-time Christian who made a startling confession. “I know I am not supposed to worry,” she said, “but I do. I know I am not supposed to be afraid, but many times I am. I know I am suppose to trust in God and never doubt Him, but sometimes …” At first I was shocked that this woman of God, who has been one of the pillars of her church, could have what many might consider to be flaws, in her Christian armor. But I had to admire her honesty and realize she is not alone. If most Christians were strapped to a lie detector and asked questions like “Do you worry?” or “Do you live in fear?” “Do you have doubts in your Christian walk?” their answers would be yes.
In reality, despite what Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25*, many Christians worry. And though we understand that “God did not give us a spirit of fear” (II Timothy 1:7) for too many of us, fear is our frequent companion. We are told clearly in Proverbs 3:5 to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” but we all have our moments when our trust in God wavers. So what does that tell us about our Christian walk? Are we bad Christians? Are we falling so short of the mark that we should turn in our Christian card? I don’t think so.
No, we have to do what Paul described in Philippians 3:12-14 – we have to press. None of us are perfect, though perfection in Christ is our goal and we must continue to press toward that mark. We may become fearful in a particular situation; we might worry every now and again. During very difficult times when we become anxious and lose our patience, we might not trust God the way we should. Those feelings are a part of the Christian walk. We just have to make sure our lapses are momentary and we make quick adjustments to realign with Jesus. Let’s face it: it is very difficult to stay on the straight and narrow path. That is why the word tells us in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We all fall; it is the strength and knowledge we gain in our rising that makes of more prepared in the future. We must learn to forget the fear, worry, and mistrust that are behind us and press toward the goal of 100 percent dependence on Jesus.
Always remember that we are at war. The enemy is constantly attacking us, trying to knock us down and take us out. The attack isn’t always vicious; many times it is calm and subtle. The schemer sends worry, doubt, fear, and procrastination to disrupt our peace, cloud our focus and wrap us in frustration. It is the same frustration that Paul discussed in Romans 7:14-25 when he acknowledges that despite his love of the Lord, his “sinful mature” still lived within him, which prevented him from always doing what he wanted to do.
That is why it is imperative that we meditate on the word of God night and day (Joshua 1:8). That is why we have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher (leader and source AMP) of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). That is why we must acknowledge God in all our ways and allow him to direct our path or make our pathways straight (Proverbs 3:6). If Jesus is always on your mind, the enemy and his henchmen: “Doug Doubt,” “Freddie Fear,” “Michael Mistrust,” and their friends can’t find room to roam. We must not get upset when we slip; we must learn to press on with the understanding that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, full of grace and mercy, is faithful and will rescue us.
Be Blessed, Be Thankful, and Press On After the Fall,
Your Pastor,
Marvin R. Wamble
Shiloh Community UMC
12695 Shiloh Church Road
Newburg, MD 20664
Don’t forget to tune into the “Shiloh Hour of Pray Power on PrayLive each Sunday night from 10-11 p.m. EST by calling 443-921-0098 or going to www.praylive.com.
Also, First Lady Anita Wamble teaches a dynamic Bible Study on PrayLive each Sunday night from 9-10 p.m. EST
*Unless indicated all scripture references are from the New International Version Bible
