In a random conversation with couple of my friends the words "Don't get comfortable" resonated with my heart. Ever since returning from India, my life has been great despite a variety of humbling and testing times. However, I can still say with a smile on my face and joy in my heart that so far it has been great. Many prayers have been answered through means which I could not comprehend at the time. And here I am. Now not having to work, I find myself with plenty of free time yet time itself seems to be passing by faster. Before when I had work, I dedicated everything I had to the conviction and purpose I had towards work. But now, jobless once again I find myself slowing down and getting more and more "comfortable." Comfortable with waking up much later, comfortable watching movies all day long, comfortable doing nothing, comfortable being fed home cooked meals.
This cycle and shift in focus, purpose and drive in my physical life is only too closely related to my own spiritual life. The purpose of working so diligently to raise finances for my mission trip was a constant reminder of a steady walk with God, but the oh-so-familiar laziness I am tempted with continues to creep back into my disciplines. With more free time than ever, I find my schedule suddenly being crammed with "stuff."
The moment my comfort is related to my absence of the Word, I find myself easily agitated, becoming lazier, basically put: compliant to sin. It is only the first month of the new year yet my reading discipline is already being attacked more than I could have anticipated. The joy in reading is slowing becoming a burden. The accountability and vulnerability towards others is becoming slightly irrelevant. The purpose of prayer seems to be empty. Yet, despite these temptations and wicked thoughts, HE has been faithful even when I was faithless. HE is good though I am far from it. It is by that alone my spirit finds joy and purpose.
It has been a sure and joyful journey coming out of the desert continually refined and disciplined by God. A man can survive days without food possibly even weeks, yet a believer cannot survive a day, even an hour without the Word. The daily walk of a believer is what stems discipline, joy and growth. My study of Jesus being tempted by Satan after being in the desert for forty days is continuing to rebuke, teach, guide and encourage me. Jesus' commune with God during the forty days must have been so saturated in prayer and the Word to spiritually, mentally, and physically prepare for Satan's temptations. What is encouraging is how much Christ revered the authority and power of the Word to be soaked and immersed in the Word. He replies to each temptation with the Word of God. The temptations and attacks of the Evil One continues to grasp me, yet I will not fall to the hands of sin for my power and strength, my protection and guidance, my counsel and victory will be the Word of God.
Help me to walk with You and commune with You every moment of my life as I continue to bless and proclaim Your name for the victory You've won.
e
