I have been thinking a lot about the precious moments of my life. You know, those special moments that can't possibly be re-created once they have past. Moments that, when remembered, stir up blessings that might not have been realized in any other way and seem to have happened for a reason.
Usually when I first think of my own precious moments, my memories default to times spent alongside my dearest family and friends. Times spent relaxing and laughing with those I cherish. Yes, many of my precious moments have filled me up with the satisfaction of togetherness, and community, and love for others. These are times when the weight of worldly troubles seem to take pause and tidings of comfort and joy flourish. These are the details in life that we each seem to look forward to. The interludes that many would say make a life worth living. Yes, I do believe that these glimpses of goodness are indeed samplings of God's eternal Way of life for His people. But what about the moments that aren't always so joyful? What about the rest of our time when we don't feel so warm and fuzzy?
To this I ask: Can moments still be considered precious when they occur during times of personal struggle or difficultly? Can blessings still arise when trials abound? Can we glorify and praise God through moments of human instability... even when all seems hopeless and lost... even when the rest of the world around us loses faith in God's promises?
Read with me Paul's final charge to Timothy...
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
Interestingly enough, Paul teaches us to be prepared both in season and out of season. To keep our head in all situations. To endure hardships. To do the work God has called each of us to do as ambassadors to God's throne. You see, Jesus has made Himself readily available to us in every season. Furthermore, He already knows the details of all our moments (good, bad, happy, sad). In fact, Jesus knows what is best for us more than we know ourselves!
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:1-10)
With this in mind, I believe it is vital for Christians to understand that life is not always going to feel as warm and inviting as a special get-together enjoyed with close friends. You and I both know that most of the time our days are hard, complex, challenging, and overwhelming. But God says that He is willing and able to guide His people. So, all moments are precious gifts of time to be used for one purpose: God's glory!
To this I ask: Can moments still be considered precious when they occur during times of personal struggle or difficultly? Can blessings still arise when trials abound? Can we glorify and praise God through moments of human instability... even when all seems hopeless and lost... even when the rest of the world around us loses faith in God's promises?
Read with me Paul's final charge to Timothy...
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
Interestingly enough, Paul teaches us to be prepared both in season and out of season. To keep our head in all situations. To endure hardships. To do the work God has called each of us to do as ambassadors to God's throne. You see, Jesus has made Himself readily available to us in every season. Furthermore, He already knows the details of all our moments (good, bad, happy, sad). In fact, Jesus knows what is best for us more than we know ourselves!
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:1-10)With this in mind, I believe it is vital for Christians to understand that life is not always going to feel as warm and inviting as a special get-together enjoyed with close friends. You and I both know that most of the time our days are hard, complex, challenging, and overwhelming. But God says that He is willing and able to guide His people. So, all moments are precious gifts of time to be used for one purpose: God's glory!
Friends, no matter what trials you face today or in the future, I encourage you to continue racing confidently toward the gates of God's kingdom while embracing His Word as home. For every moment you seek Christ's guidance is indeed a precious opportunity to worship the King of kings! What an awesome honor! So, dear believer, seek first His perfect peace and everlasting satisfaction. Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him always and He will direct your steps safely home!
Blessings!
~Victoria
© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson
Blessings!
~Victoria
© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson
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