Wednesday, 15 August 2012
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Responding in Times of Fear as Well as Joy
The world is worn out, suffering and in pain.
I am also weary much of the time. I wear myself out by not living out what I know, or by not truly being open to the grace and love of Jesus Christ. I seek to grow in trust, to let go of fear and at times I seem to be able to respond to graces invitation. Then as this love becomes more real something in me wants to pull back and hide, or run.
What keeps me on the path is the knowledge that all is already known. That I am loved and forgiven and that all things in my life will work out for the good.
Faith grows, deepens and it does that through the practices of prayer and study, but also through making hard conscious choices to believe and trust, to simply allow to happen what I already know is already happening -- to allow God's light fully into my own inner jungle of chaos, fear, anger and lust.
To also allow the Spirit to fuel the gifts given to me, to all of us; to love myself and others, as myself, because of my love and openness to God's love and healing power. To respond in times of fear as well as joy; to move forward when I am dry as a bone filled with sand and to keep on the path when I filled with the living waters -- it is all grace given to us by a loving Father through Jesus Christ.All things work out for the good for those in Christ Jesus.
Is it easier to respond to God in times of joy or times of fear and despair? What prevents you from responding to God? What hope do you get from knowing that He makes all things work out for our good?
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About the Author
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- From: markdohle
- Name: markdohle
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- About Me: I am a Roman Catholic, who seeks to ever deepen my love of Jesus Christ.
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Comments (11)
How I long for God to cradle me in his loving arms. How I long to return to Canada, stay settled, focus on family relationships, and immerse myself in studying the scriptures with others. Lord hear my prayers, in Jesus name. AMEN!!!
Thanks again, Mark, for posting. Your messages really speak to me, with me, as if it is I speaking, calling out.
Yes, in complete contact with our Messiah 24/7...without ceasing, yes always !
Many thanks for your post, many thanks.
Oh it's easier to seek out God in times of trouble, because I know I will feel relief. Not necessarily what I want, that has rarely happened. But feelings of peace, and of a greater being taking my problems on his shoulders, so to speak.
I have put my life back into His hands, knowing that He will lead me down the right path. It can be difficult, yes, but I am continuing to learn more daily and I yearn for His guidance more and more.
What has prevented me from responding to God in the past? The main thing that has kept me from God is the discord within the church. It took an amazing person to remind me that God is bigger than the church...that the church deals primarily with worldy problems and tends to get lost in them. It has taken time, but I now know that He is greater than such, and He will raise me over those problems as I continue to follow Him
@STICKS_Ministry - We are all here for one another, upholding each other on the path. Thank you very much.
Peace
mark
@SheilaJoyce - Thank you very much my friend.
Peace
mark
@Pollypinks@xanga - That is a very beautiful sharing my friend, thank you so much.
Peace
mark
@ProdigalPat - Yes it is trust that allows us to continue, to not listen to the voice of dispair of discouragment. There will always be chaos in the chuch, but your are right, Chris Jesus is greater and his Holy Spirit is always at work.
peace
mark
Mark, You are always so kind to me. I want to thank you for that. I've always been on the fringe of life, not quite totally "in", nor totally "out", but you keep me in check that in Christ Jesus with always have an in, a way for grace, and a way out of despair. Without my belief in him, up until this point, my life would be nothing.
@Pollypinks@xanga - you have great wisdom, humility and insight my friend. I am sure that you help more than you will ever know. It is an honor knowing you my friend.
peace
mark
Mark, you are slowly rubbing off the rough edges of my personality, making me more human and realizing others' difficulties, regardless of faith or political affiliation. Thanks so much. If we could all do this in our parenting, and I'm going back 36 years, this world and our country would be a nicer place.