What's Important

4/27/2020

Jeremiah 45:5 “Seekest thou great things for thyself?”

Am I self-seeking? Do I spend my energy praying for things? Are my expectations so high that, if not answered, I become restless or sensitive in my relationship with God? Chambers says, “There is nothing easier than getting into a right relationship with God except when it is not God Whom you want but only what He gives.”

When I was younger, I did not understand why life seemed so much easier for others. My husband and I faithfully attended church and were involved in ministry, yet we struggled in so many areas. He was diagnosed with cancer shortly after our first move away from our families, he lost his job shortly after his diagnosis, our son (at the age of five) had to have surgery, and we moved six times in ten years. All this while others seemed to thrive. We were faithful, yet so very weary. I was known, at that time, to grumble and ask “why” a lot. I wanted…no, craved blessings. Unfortunately, the wearier I became, the weaker my faith became as well. I never stopped believing in God, but I stopped asking for help. I felt as if my prayers for my family were bouncing off a large celestial ceiling. I was wrong, of course, but I was also in my infancy as a believer.

After our sixth move, life started to get a bit easier, but we never did reach the level of those around us. We were, unfortunately, not looking very closely at the reality of the situation. Sure, others had better jobs, nicer houses, newer cars, tropical vacations, and more stuff, but we had each other in a way (as it turns out that) that many around us did not. Through all of our trials, God gave us the biggest blessing of all, which was refining us and drawing us closer to Him. He gave us each other to journey through life with. He also blessed us with a wonderful son whom we cherish. He gave us a warm home, and food to eat; we had a loving church family and friends. These are the true blessings in life, none of those other trappings really matter at all.

We have experienced other times of deep trial and pain, but God has always been faithful, and He always will be. We both continue to mature in our faith, and put our relationship with God above all.