Food for ThoughtStaying Faithful
Food for Thought
An all-creatures.org Guide to Kingdom Living

Submitted by Debra Stitt - 12 May 2003

There was once a certain man who walked out into the middle of a field where he would not be interrupted by anyone. He raised his arms toward heaven, then with tears streaming down his face, trembling with fear, he began to shout. He, with all the strength in his being shouted out to God saying "I just can't take it anymore. I have been used, abused, beaten, cursed, laughed at, lied to, and sneered on. I have tried to love exactly how You asked me to. I have turned the other cheek hundreds, even a thousand times until my cheeks ache. I have given even when I had to borrow so another might survive. I have prayed and cried for many who do not know You God. Oh God...I am tired, worn out, and discouraged trying to fight the evil that buffets my soul. I feel You have turned from me God, I feel like this is more than I can do! God, do You really even care!"

Then he heard a voice speak softly within his troubled heart. The voice said, "Yes I am here, I have never left. You know nothing of how many souls have watched you in your struggles, your pain, and your perseverance. You know nothing of how many souls have turned to Me because you have stood against the wiles of evil, not breaking, but standing firm. Many have seen your pain because of your testimony of Me and they will stand without excuse before Me because of your life before them!"

The voice continued within this man and said, "If I ask of too much pain from you for the sake of other souls, then go into your house and do nothing; I will find another who is willing to give for the sake of lost souls. I will find another who will walk through the suffering and pain even as I allowed pain and suffering in Paul, Peter, and all those who went into this world of sickness and evil so others might know Me!"

The man fell upon his face ashamed and then the love of God lifted him to his feet. He looked up to heaven as his entire being began to experience a refreshing and a new strength. He whispered, "Lord, I am ready to go back and love; even unto death." And as he walked away, he heard a voice say, "Well done My faithful friend."

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There are moments in life when we feel that we have reached our limits with the trials and tribulations of life. It is important that we remember that God has given us a special strength to endure and persevere and continue on despite these hardships that befall us. I encourage you to gird yourself up and recognize God's strength that lies within your spirit and be determined never to give in or give up. God has you in the palms of His hand and nothing by any means shall be able to overtake you. Rest in this promise and know that God is with you. (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) (Psalm 91:2-4)... Never allow the enemy to discourage your heart and make you feel like giving up on being a witness and an example of the Lord. Your reward in eternity will greatly outweigh this light affliction that seems so great right now.

~Author Unknown~

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lamb-rightThe purpose of this series is to encourage people to live as loving, compassionate, and peacemaking children of God: Jesus tells us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) God tells us through Micah (6:8), "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God." And we know from Revelation 21:4 that there will be no more mourning, or crying, or pain, or death. Thus, Christian living requires us to set the standards of these conditions here on earth for our fellow human beings, and for the other animals, as a witness to the rest of the world. To do otherwise is not Christian.