And then one day I found myself so sick I couldn't work. I lost my job, my independence, my money, and for a while my sense of worth. I knew I couldn't survive just being a good Christian. Good Christians are focused on what they think they are supposed to do but don't have a deep, meaningful relationship with God. Being a good Christian wasn't fighting the despair I dropped deeper into each day. Being a good Christian didn't make me want to get out of bed in the morning. Being a good Christian didn't fill my heart with the joy and peace I knew was supposed to be there. And then one day I realized I knew the Bible but I didn't know my God. I came across Matthew 5:6 and knew somehow I had missed the boat. "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat."
God's Word became nourishment to a malnourished soul. I knew Matthew 5:6 was true. Still sick with no independence and no money, I found myself more blessed than when I had a job, independence, and money to spare.
Whatever struggles life has thrown your way I challenge you to run to God with your pain. Ask Him to give you a hunger and thirst for Him. Talk to Him as much as you can throughout the day, especially on those days you want to scream. You may find yourself in the same position I did - blessed beyond measure. And there's no greater place to be.
"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires." ~ Hebrews 4:12 (New Living Translation)
(c) August 31, 2011