Dear Husband and I have several dear friends who grew up in a cult. As young people they were required to marry within the cult, and most were employed by cult members. If you left the cult you were cut off from the community- even your own relatives. Our friends became curious about the Bible and started reading it on their own- a big ’no-no’. They were honest truth seekers and hungered to know God. Eventually, they had to make the hard decision to leave the cult, their jobs, their relatives, and some their homes. This decision tore family units apart, separating spouses, teenagers, and parents from their families. Yet those who gave up so much are now the ones who put me to shame with their earnestness to study the Bible, their devotion to Jesus, and their eagerness to help others.
What can we do if our own earnestness, devotion, and eagerness have slipped a bit? We should remember that we serve a merciful God who patiently calls us back to himself. He understands our frail humanity and has compassion. He tenderly draws us close. Punishment is his last resort and only then to get us back on the path to obedience and blessing.
“The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.” Psalm 103-13-14
What if we’re too discouraged to keep praying?
We’re not on our own when it comes to prayer. We have a Helper who understands our weakness and graciously takes over in expressing what we cannot. He communicates our needs to God, requesting God’s good will be done for us.
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…” Romans 8:26-29
What if reading Scripture feels like a dry duty?
Set your heart on getting to know God, and enjoying his Presence. Jesus is a person who is a delight to be with! He is understanding and patient.
“And if you search for him (the Lord your God) with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” Deuteronomy 4:29
“Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord.” Ezra 7:10
“. . . they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.” Acts 17:11
“So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:19-20
What if I begrudge time spent helping someone annoying?
Love is an action verb. We show we love by giving ourselves; our time, our effort, our money, and our attention not just to people we like, but to meet the needs of any brother or sister. Loving on others prevents us from becoming spiritually dull, indifferent, or unproductive.
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:10-12
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.” Romans 12:13
“… love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:7-8
What if I miss the money I donated?
“Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!” Psalm 119:36
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33
“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.” 2 Corinthians 8:12
What if I get distracted?
Guard your desires, your focus, what you hold dear. Don’t let anything push God into second place. And don’t let anything prevent you from doing loving things for others.
“…love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
“love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
What if it doesn’t feel like it’s worth it to deny myself and be a servant?
Remember that our Lord is our example. He gave up much more for us than we will ever give up for others. Serving with love is the way to happiness and reward.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (sacrificially)
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21
“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done.” Galatians 6:4
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself”…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace…” Galatians 5:13-14,22
What to do when you’re feeling dry:
Care for someone
Read at least a little Scripture
Ask God’s Spirit to light a fire in you
Spend time with those who are dedicated, and serving others
Listen to teaching- get someone else’s wisdom and insights on Scripture
Read a Psalm so you know God understands your emotions.
Listen to beautiful music that stirs your soul to praise
Praise God for who he is
Repeat God’s promises to us
Pray- tell the Lord how you’re feeling, ask for his help
Give- money, time, effort
The what “if’s” challenge us to ” set our heart on getting to know God, YES, enjoy His presence, YES, know He is understanding and patient, YES, search and find Him, YES, give generously, YES, do loving things, YES, put and keep Him first always and in all ways YES and Amen.
Earnestly, Spirit powered.
Yes, Spirit powered! Love your ‘Yes’ statements. You summarized it so well. Thanks, dear friend.
I especially love the part about, don’t get distracted. It is so easy to be busy and forget that time spent with God should be my number one priority.
Thank you for this beautiful message.
That’s so true, it’s easy to get busy and forget. Thanks for your comment, dear Teri.