Do you ever feel like your spiritual growth is measurable in two steps forward then one step back? For me it feels akin to a childhood game. I’d take four giant bunny hops forward and all but taste the victory. Then in my exuberance next round, I’d forget to say “Mother may I.” Back to the starting line. I was so frustrated with myself. The game only has one rule to remember, for heaven’s sake!

In case you can relate, I’m going to share a few things I had to remind myself of today, when I was frustrated with my spiritual setback — three truths good for getting us back on track when we slip off course. I’m not a theologian, but I’ve got some personal experience in recovering from derailment with the Bible as my encouragement. First, let me tell you the circumstances that prompted my writing.

Last week’s post left me high on God and life. To quote myself, “I want to live fully celebrating my life’s present potential and all that God just keeps making better! Gratitude is my new best friend, as we’re becoming more deeply acquainted.” Ahh… the bliss.

It was honest;  spoken in acknowledgement of the Spirit’s real and amazing work in my heart that week. Thank goodness God is patient and long-suffering!

Fast forward to Sunday night; I was discontented, tired and teary. My thoughts were of gloom and doom. I still don’t understand all I was feeling, but I was definitely grieving and fearful. Why? Partially because I spent a wonderful Easter weekend in Atlanta with four of our five children. Then Rob and I came home to a silent house (I even returned the grand-dog we were babysitting). There was no junk food to comfort me. No laundry to distract… a funk set in. Our tidy empty nest felt foreign and bleak — all over again.

After doing such a great work in my heart, why did God allow me to slip so fast? I forgot to live to what I had attained through the Spirit’s guidance. I didn’t quit praying or forget Jesus.  I did let the emotions in my heart of flesh get the best of me and caved to fatigue and doubt. Sound familiar?

I’m encouraged that the Bible addresses the inner turmoil of faithful people. Following are some thoughts and encouragement for our inevitable times of struggle: flesh vs. spirit. As Paul confessed, “For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15).

1. Christians aren’t exempt from bad stuff on earth.

As has often been the case in difficulty, I wanted to implore God to spare me. He could save me from my darkness and fear without lifting a pinky — if He wanted to. But I’ve learned that’s not His usual MO. He wants more for me.

Good and bad is experienced indiscriminately by all people. “This is what God does. “He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty” (Matthew 5:44-45).

And the bad? Why does God allow the bad stuff to happen to His people? I’m not sure, but God created a perfect world before the fall. Much hurt results from the sinful action or inaction of ourselves and others. In this case, I temporarily ignored His Truth and drowned in my earthbound understanding.

Believing in Jesus doesn’t earn us a hall pass from the certain struggles and pain associated with a fallen world.  John 16:33 says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Believing does mean we can trust God in it all.

Our disappointments give us a great chance to behave like Jesus. They test our level of surrender to His ways in our words, actions, and thoughts. He graciously offers to fill us with His Spirit where ever we offer Him our emptiness. 

2. The more you offer God, the more interested the enemy gets in you.

This sounds like “bad” news.  It’s not just that Christians experience common troubles. We also attract the attention of Satan (king of lies and adversity) when we live for God’s Kingdom.  Untapped, lukewarm, Sunday morning faith doesn’t worry the devil so much. But when you make following Jesus  your priority, Christ can use you for His purposes. And when He does, get ready cause you can count on increased attacks. The Christian life isn’t always easy. Spiritual warfare is real.

“Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:8,9)

Keep the faith — the Good News is so much better. Jesus has already defeated our foe! James 4:7-8 says, “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

3. No matter what happens, God remains in control.

In the next verses Peter tells us this: “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10,11)

Hallelujah and thank you God for restoring me! I’m joyfully back in the game today — well except for getting frustrated during a morning of many long automated phone messages. Three babysteps back.

Let’s add a few more verses for reinforcement.

“I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” (Isaiah 49:7)

“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.” (Romans 8:28)

“The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” (Isaiah 14:24)

In Jesus we have the assurance of a life filled with hope and promise. Because of our flesh, fear and uncertainty we sometimes live in doubt. God wants to take all the love,  joy and peace of heaven along with all the missteps, pain, and heartache endured on earth to create a story of grace fulfilling all His purposes in our lives.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I am greatly encouraged by your comments and thoughts!  If you would like to get future posts by email, please let me know below. You can unsubscribe at any time.