We know that ALL things are possible through God when we put all our burdens on Him. We also understand that we must have the faith that He will come through for us. So why then do we at times still struggle with doubt?
Many in the Bible went through several various trials to have their faith tested, to see if they would be able to persevere. They also continued to go through trials to see how strong and committed they really were, just as we all do.
Those who are willing to be baptized need to take that ultimate step as they are filled with enthusiasm and determined to live a new life, filled with anticipation, a general desire, and a willingness. They have this sudden urge, a drive within their minds that gets them determined for something great that lies ahead. These are all wonderful feelings to have as they know that their lives are about to start over, spiritually speaking, as they get rid of the old man and become the new man. However, it is not an easy road as trials and tribulations will come to test them to see how strong they really are.
For those of us who are properly baptized, this was something we have all been faced with, and we continue to go through adversity. For example, can we handle the burdens we go through; whether it be money problems, working on the Sabbath, family differences, material possessions, etc.? Better yet, will we put our burdens into God’s hands and trust that He will take care of us, no matter what problems we are faced with?
Satan tries to do whatever he can to discourage us in EVERY possible way by tempting us to sin while God tests us to see if we can conquer Satan by living a life pleasing to Him and remaining faithful and wise in understanding that we constantly need to ask God for His help.
Is our life filled with joy, sorrow, or doubt? Are we let down easily and do we take criticism harshly or personally, with a proud heart, and are we easily offended? Is God trying to tell us something through the ministry when something is revealed to us? Is our life affected by others and are we surrounded by drama, or does drama surround our life? These are things that one must consider as every one of us is tested in our own way, in just the things that could affect us the most, what we struggle with the most. Paul was just like us for he knew exactly what all Christinas go through as he explains in Romans 7:14-25.
The world distracts us and it will continue to do so. We can get distracted very easily by the things that we are involved with in our lives. When it comes to our spiritual lifestyle, what is it that we can do to be spiritually motivated and to persevere amidst this busy life we find ourselves in?
Prayer is extremely powerful because it brings forth our faith inside of us, knowing that God is the only One who can make anything happen, and as much as we have a part to do in our belief, God will respond and take action.
When it comes to our spiritual needs, prayer is just as beneficial. We go through trials continually and we do get sidetracked often. What do we do when that happens? James 1:2-6 admonishes us to ask in faith, without doubting, especially during times we need God the most, when our motivation begins to deteriorate.
As Hebrews 12:1-3 points out, we must remember that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, as God also witnesses the things that we are doing. When it comes to God, and everything that He has created, we are a witness to that and His existence. Have we sometimes just taken the time and take notice of all the things that God has done for us and admire all that He has made? Just knowing that, we should be willing to “lay aside every weight and sin that easily ensnares us.” And if we are struggling, here is when we need to pray to God to show us what we need to change and fix in our lives.
It is not only sin that can hinder us, but it’s also people, or anything else that we are involved with, that can do the same. There could be someone or something in our life that can prevent us from doing what God wants us to do, and if so, we would need to fix the problem, by re-evaluating our relationships with others and/or asking God for wisdom and guidance to make the right choices. God comes first over all things, without compromising.
When we have removed the things in our lives that hinder us, it should be easier for us to run the race that is set before us. Running a race is no easy task because it can be exhausting and frustrating at times. The goal here is to keep on running, to keep going the same path, not drifting off course, but going in the direction that God is leading us. There are times when fatigue sets in, and when we become weary, we have to remember the persecutions Christ and some of the apostles went through. As Christ says in Matthew 24:13, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
