Friday, April 3, 2009
LIVING BY THE STRUGGLE...WILL THERE BE BETTER DAYS??
Living by the struggle is something that is always associated with Christians. We endure so much and stay so faithful towards God...why hasn't he made a way?? It took a long time for me to understand and grasp this, however something truly clicked for me when I read the required readings for Neumark. The story of Amanda made the statement plain and clear. I am one that can relate to Amanda's story in some way. Amanda was a female that lived and breathed poverty. It seemed as if every time she was picked up or restored she was knocked on her feet. Her welfare checks kept being stolen from her. If it wasn't from a stranger it was from a family member. I am one that can relate to this story. Amanda reminds me of my mother. My mother is a very strong willed individual but had to live by poverty. My family struggled throughout life and did everything she could to make ends meet. Like Amanda, our family was on welfare. And like Amanda, it seemed like every time she got back on her feet she was knocked down again. Like Amanda, there were those situations that my mother felt like there was no way out! However, with all faith in God, nothing was put on her that she could not bare. I see this in Amanda and it makes me understand that struggles are a test. A test that is either pass or fail. So many times Christians tend to only praise God when things are going your way or he finally brings you through a problem. But, its amazing to see the things that he will do if we continue to put faith in him no matter what! Living by the struggle is our exam of life...to see who is worthy of living eternal life in the kingdom of heaven!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I totally get what you're saying Lauren. My family has been through similar situations, and I can't agree more that we have to "praise God in the storm." My eyes have really been opened lately to how blessed I am, no matter what seems to have gone "wrong" in my life. Struggles are part of everyone's life, not just Christians. And we can find rest in knowing that God sees the big picture...We can't even fathom why things have to happen the way they do, only God knows.
ReplyDeleteI really like the connection you made with Neumark. I went to a youth group on Monday and the theme was praising God in the storm, like you and Vickie both mentioned. I don't think, as Christians, we can here this statement enough. Our struggles can only be overcome by the amount of faith we invest in them.
ReplyDeleteWe have to be able to praise God when things go bad and when things are well. What is funny is how you have people who only call on God when they are in a storm. They are actually doing exactly what they are suppose to, but when things are good...they go revert back to not praising God, since things are great again...Nevertheless, I too can testify that my family has been through struggles. However, because of my mom's hard praying and praying without ceasing, God still looked on us and made a way..Always have Faith...for faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.
ReplyDelete