Without going through the valley how would we ever know the peace (Shalom) that passes all understanding. The people of America, for the most part, have been excluded from such. This is because there are numerous ways to avoid difficulties here. It may be through drugs, diversion through excitement, running away to avoid or the always encouraged me-first mindset.
Putting God to the test on whether His word is true, proving that He is watching over you, means you have to stay with it until He says so. Third world countries are blessed, go figure choices are limited. If you are breathing, if you are reading, if you are hoping, then the race is not over.
While swimming underwater, you get to a point where you think you need to come up for air. But you can take one more stroke. Like I heard at a “Promise Keepers” rally, take one more stroke.
What better place to put your faith, but in the God that hears and by the testimony of many, He answers.
The worst thing about us in the western world is that we have many options for escape and our society encourages the total absence of pain & suffering. Figure it out It is tempting to believe. If you do, you truly are suffering and looking for a way out. Just the anxiety alone of this not being fulfilled is painful. This is a dangerous place to be. You have the choice to do so, but if you are the one leading yourself, get real, do you know where you are going?
Hold on. Take one more stroke and trust in God. You’re not done yet and yes, it is hard (Thanks Pastor John Torres http://www.goodwillchurch.org/?pageType=sub&pageID=62#/our-pastors ). Don’t let hoped for prosperity and avenues of escape rob you from knowing a Merciful and Rewarding God, to whom we call out as Abba Father. He has not let you down as much as by not trusting, you, have hindered His complete, all-encompassing answer. One, that you, by your wisdom or strength could have never envisioned.
It’s not over. Waiting hope, take one more stroke and then breath in the life God (YHWH) has called you to.
