Roller Coaster Faith

July 9, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

 

Something to Think About:

 

~How is your devotion toward God right now - Greater or less than it used to be?

~How do once enthused, joyful, vibrant Christians lose their passion for God?

~Is it possible to always be “on fire” for God?

 

     Talk about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in one person’s spiritual life! Peter’s journey with Jesus Christ was full of roller coaster ups and downs:

 

UP! - He was the first person to recognize Jesus as the Messiah –“Simon Peter answered, ‘You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 DOWN! - Was as quick to curse a group of people as they were to point out that Peter was one of Jesus’ followers – “Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, ‘I don’t know the man!’” Matthew 26:74

 

UP! - He attacked a soldier, cutting off his ear, and was ready to fight to the death for Jesus –“The Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear.” John 18:10

DOWN! - He couldn’t stay awake to pray with Him when Jesus really needed him– “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter.” Matthew 26:40

 

UP! - He vowed he would follow Jesus anywhere and everywhere no matter the cost – “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Luke 22:33 DOWN!  - He returned to fishing after the crucifixion – “’I’m going out to fish,’ Simon Peter told them, and went out and got into the boat.” John 21:3

 

     We must keep our relationship with God fresh and new (“up”). When you sense a distance (or a spiritual “down”) in your walk with Jesus, be quick to check the following:

 

• Is there unconfessed sin in my life?
• Am I spending time each day in prayer and in the Word?
• Am I following His plan and purpose for my life?
• Am I meeting regularly with others who love Jesus and share my belief?

 

     Deal with whatever issues are unresolved, then rest in the assurance of His love for you. Every relationship – including your relationship with God – will experience a roller coaster ride of emotional and spiritual ups and downs. And though emotions are important – what matters more is your faith – knowing and believing that God loves you and that you belong to Him and He belongs to you.

 

God Will…

 

Comfort you – “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50   

 

Give you a heart to hear and obey Him – “”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

 

Renew your heart and mind – “I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Hebrews 8:10

 

     Perhaps, you need a booster shot of “UP!” -  Find time to pull away from your busy life, turn on a praise CD, or spend a few moments in His Word, and let God speak directly to your heart.

 

Father God,

 

     I never want to drift away from You – and yet I also know that I’m not always going to feel as close to You as I’d like to. Please give me courage to face the “down” dry seasons of in my faith with resolve, and joy in knowing You are always near and that I belong to You and You belong to me too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.