Response

Over the last few weeks I have had to make some decisions and I have had to trust God in where he is leading me and with everyday I become more sure of what he has for me and where I am going. God brings people to us so that we can be reassured as well as grow through what others see in us and not just what we see ourselves doing. God uses people to confirm to us certain things and it is amazing how much he works even when we do not see what is going on. Sometimes it takes us a while to reach that potential and we stumble and fall every so often in our attempt to achieve the highest prize. The only thing we can do is move past what is not beneficial to us and keep pressing on because one day we will get past the rough stages as long as we persevere and strive to make changes everyday. Change takes time and work and it is our job to ensure that we make the changes in our lives and in our world. No one else can make the changes in our lives for us, we have to make a conscious decision to get better and to make things better with the help of God. We have support because we cannot do it on our own and God will answer when we ask him for things but we have to remember that it is done on his timing, not ours. I know this is hard to deal with but when we let him take care of things, all of our struggles are washed away and he works in us.

David is a man who struggled in many areas of life at many different times and there were times when we wondered if he would ever figure it out. David faced so much adversity in life and made many mistakes but he still held to God in the end. I do not know exactly who wrote Psalm 66 but in verses 16-20, we see a man seeking God wholeheartedly and I think this is great for all who are struggling and even if you are not, it is very uplifting to see what type of praise is given to God in times of need. The verses state, "Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin with my heard, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!" This verse brings to mind a question that a student had for Ravi the other night and he asked "You talk about this love that God has but why can I not find this fulfillment of love among my fellow people on this earth"  The truth is that God's love is unique and it is never failing but the love of this earth will fade and will be non-existent at times. In Christ, he will love us forever no matter what, he has an unfailing love that is sufficient for all and he will respond when you call on his name. On earth, even people that love us might not always be there for us or they will go through a time when they treat us as if they do not love us. With God, he always answers and never stops loving us because he is a loving and caring God that cherishes his creation and loves his creation with compassion and grace. God will never turn a deaf ear to you because he is always watching and listening but sometimes it just takes time for him to respond and he is sometimes just teaching us patience and perseverance. I struggle with this sometimes and wonder why but really it comes down to continuing to gain full understanding of all that we have in Christ and taking ahold of the things which we have already been given.

Today was tough, still struggling, still battling to get over the top of the hill and love God 100% of the time but I am progressing and I am not going to give up. Never give up on the ones you love because if you love them, then you will always wonder why you let them go. Keep praying for me as I am praying for you and if you need prayer about anything specific, please ask and I will make sure to keep you in my prayers.

God Bless,

Joseph Robinson