North Santa Rosa

Living With Purpose

From the cradle to the grave we are promised God’s care and concern. It’s for this reason we can face each day knowing we’re not alone in our struggles. When seeking strength in our turbulent times, there’s a frantic search for peace and something to believe in. Everyone longs for it; everyone wants it. And it assuredly comes to those who yield themselves to God and conforms to His will.
While on a military assignment I had a Soldier come to me broken-hearted and feeling alone. Her grandmother was given a terminal disease notice by her doctor, she lost her civilian job, and other personal doubts were haunting her. All these things occurred 48 hours before she was required to report for military duty.
This Soldier was like a water hose with a restriction holding back the tears. The one universal mechanism we all possess is the ability to shed tears. We were given this as a way to find relief from emotional tension. But, in the military environment, to cry is to appear undisciplined. But I assured her in this case, crying wasn’t a matter of weakness, it was a matter of compassion and release. Her heart was burdened and troubled. I told her to let it out by crying it out. And after giving her a few minutes to herself, she was able to share what was going on inside. She told me she was a Christian, but needed to strengthen her faith to cope with what was going on in her life. This encouraged me as a counselor, because so many people tend to blame God for troubles and hardships. My chaplain assistant and I tried to assure her that the same God who empowered Job, Samson, Gideon, and Paul is ready and willing to empower her own life. There’s divine strength promised to those that yield themselves to God’s commands.
When trials come your way, and they inevitably will, don’t panic and run away. Rather, run to God and fling yourself into His arms. Like a child who seeks their loving parents when hurt, God will sustain you and even lift you up when you turn your heart and prayers toward Him. Will you count yourself as one of His children? To do so is to invite God’s peace and to optimistically know you have been forever touched by the loving, unfailing, uplifting hand of God.
Life is difficult and sometimes we worry, experience weakness, and get our hearts broken. But if we will “lift up our eyes to where our help comes from” (Psalm 121:1) there will be an everlasting flow of love and power to overcome them all. Faith brings ultimate victory to every life that trusts in God. 1 John 5:4 says, “Every child of God has power over the sins of the world. The way we have power over the sins of the world is by our faith.”
The pursuit of faith has been the hallmark of all committed followers. The apostles asked Jesus himself, “Lord, increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). If we’re to follow his example, our faith must increase. Courage and hope despite the hardship will grow your faith. The victory of faith is dependent on the growing of our faith. Where faith grows in a person, strength abounds to overcome our difficulties. We must be bold, trusting God for courage. If you’re to be an effective Christian, seek the small, great, rich, and poor alike with the truth that can overcome your obstacles. Be ever mindful that faith can reach to the ends of the earth through prayer.
Before completing her military assignment, this Soldier sent me a written message through her Commander and she said, “My faith has been challenged, but it was my faith in the lowest valley that helped me climb the mountain. I will not be defeated!”
When God’s intentions may seem unclear during your difficult days and you’re unsure which way to turn; never lose your faith and never lose sight of these overriding facts: God created you for a reason, you have an important work to perform, and He’s waiting patiently for you to do it. The next step is up to you!
• This weekly column is written by Matthew Dobson. He’s the author of the following books: “Soldiers of God: A Bible Study guide for Spiritual Warfare” and “The Authentic Teenager: A Bible Study Guide to Truth and Positive Living” and “Spiritual Fitness For Runners” and “Understanding the Higher Power”. Matthew can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living.

Posted by on Nov 13 2015. Filed under Living With Purpose, Local, Top News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

* Copy This Password *

* Type Or Paste Password Here *