So often in life we feel stuck. We move one cautious step forward only to find ourselves being pushed two steps back. Quiet moments of reflection give us the needed insight to keep moving along even when it seems as though our progress is in vain. Small consistent steps move us forward even during those times when our journey is on an upward slope.
The secret is knowing that God is our guide. We dutifully keep pushing forward because we have put all of our trust in Him. We know that His path is the only way to truth and light.
Others may seem to progress faster. Their lives seem to be easier and more fun. This is the great facade that the adversary uses to distract us. The adversary is very aware that even our smallest efforts bring us closer to God and he
hates that. He throws obstacles at us to hedge up our way. Jealousy, fear, pain, boredom, and exhaustion are just a few of his weapons of war. Sickness and sadness are other weapons that seem to counter our progress.
Godliness in Action
Although these obstacles feel heavy, if we turn to our Savior we need not ever be alone. Man may disappoint us, but God never will if we turn to Him with full purpose of heart and trust in His plan for us. As we strive along, it is important to remember that life is not a race to the finish line. During a race, the goal is to run in such a way that you pass up those who are in front of you. While this style of race may win medals, the path to heaven is not paved with man made acquisitions.
Purposeful progress comes from tried and tested dedication to God. Not only must we keep moving forward, but we must also lift and help others along the way. Holding on to the rod of iron keeps us on the covenant path. Yet, there is so much more that God expects from us. As we hold onto the rod of iron, we must also hold on to each other. He has called us to be His ministers. Holding on to God’s word without putting action to His word is not true progress. It is like walking along a horizontal path without any upward slope. Moving upward takes effort and a willingness to develop our spiritual muscles.
Ministering is Godliness in action when we help someone who is struggling, we are living by the covenants that we have
made to mourn with those who mourn. Obligatory service is offensive to God. He wants us to truly see each other and do as He would do. Ministering takes effort and God likes effort. Every minute that is spent in heartfelt ministering to others is never wasted. Spiritual adrenaline fills our veins when we completely and intentionally live our lives as the Savior did.
Some parts of the journey can not be broached without the additional strength that comes from this spiritual adrenaline. We turn our hearts to Him when we bless the lives of others and in turn He provides us with all that we need to finish the journey.
Heaven will be so much sweeter when it is filled with those who we have helped along the way. As we embrace our fellowmen, we will confess that it was them who actually were doing the ministering because they provided the opportunity that brought us closer to God.
Love and gratitude are the great equalizers for physical and emotional healing. There is no room in God’s plan for judging others, there is only room for loving service and then gratitude to God for allowing us the opportunity to be ever closer to His light and glory.
Start today, even if it is just with a smile, or a kind word.Godliness in action, even when done with baby steps, has the power to change brain chemistry and regulate emotion in a positive way. It is never too late to begin the journey towards greater emotional health and happiness.