So often we feel like the world is crashing on top of us. A huge mass on such a weak stack of bones. We all go through different struggles each and every day, some more severe than others. But we often forget to ask God to help us through these struggles and maybe even blame Him for some of the things we are going through.
I have been struggling recently with straying from my faith. I find myself repeatedly saying, “I’ll just go to next time,” or “I have a lot to do so I’ll skip this one.”
But why? Shouldn’t we, as Christians, put God first? It is hard being in a place where faith is measured. We are told in Matthew 7:1 to not judge other people yet at a Christian university we are sometimes judged based upon our levels of faith. Some followers of Jesus are more susceptible to a personal and private worship where that person may talk with God and read their Bible while asking Him to help them to understand His word. So why are there people that want to tell me my faith isn’t as strong as theirs because I missed Hendo’s Wednesday night Bible study? What do I do about this?
First off, step back. Look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are His creation and you can do all through Him. Ask God for strength today. Then make a list, mentally or physically, of how YOU want to strengthen your relationship with the Father. Only you can control your actions. Don't let others pull you in as a way of acceptance from peers. Let yourself find the guidance of your hand in His and follow your heart.
Make the time. It is not about attending every service and every campus-wide devotional. It is about hearing the word, understanding the word, and living by the word. Make the time to give up small things and put the time towards faith. Maybe for you this means skipping that four episode binge of Grey’s Anatomy and reading a few verses and understanding them. One of my Bible teachers told us that when you are alone, maybe walking to class or driving to a club’s event, it is the perfect opportunity to really talk to God. Maybe you aren’t understanding why a few things are happening to you at the moment and you need His guidance to understand the bigger picture. Don’t neglect Him.
Overcoming challenges in our lives requires patience and work. These challenges, big or small, give us an opportunity to say, “Okay God, this I can do with You. You have got my back and I will let YOU help me through this.” He is our Father but He is also our friend. He will listen to us and has given us the tools to succeed if only we take the time and open our hearts to listen. He has given us everything and we need to give Him our unwavering love in return.
Look at what Jesus did for us. He suffered far more than we ever could. He paid the price and for who? For us. He gave us the ability to have life that was meant to be lived through Him. We need to give it all to God and walk for Him.
