HELP!
What is your care or concern this day? Here’s another one of those things we don’t like to admit. Men want to be “manly” with all the answers. Women refuse to be “vulnerable” by revealing any emotional hurt. So what do we do? We squash our painful emotions, our true feelings; then we smile, and tell a lie. We boldly say, “Everything is terrific
!” when it’s really not. I’ve been around long enough to know that people have genuine hurts.
Have we become so enamored with “appearance” that we cannot be honest anymore? First, let me acknowledge that if you’ve truly discovered that Jesus Christ is the solid, immovable “Rock” that never changes and provides a stable foundation in the midst of those furious storms of life, I am grateful. You’ve not found that abiding peace yet? Are you tossed with trouble and buried in burdens? You see no way out? It is indeed possible to have real hope and real peace in the midst of the tempest. Never doubt that. Jesus is the real solution. “And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4).
I have learned from personal experience you cannot depend on others, your career, your circumstances, your finances, your good health, your talents, your intellectual capacity, your feelings, or your positive mental attitude. I clearly know from my own puny “mortal” reality that people hurt and have genuine spiritual needs. I also know there will always be the element of self-disciplined, self-driven, self-motivated and self-confident crowd who needs NO help. Okay, fair enough, I’m addressing the other 99% of us who do. There is real help in time of need.
Personally, I have more respect for someone who is honest about being in the “valley of trouble” than for those who feel they must always be on the “mountaintop of triumph”. I think if the truth be known, many times we have a desire to be openly transparent and honest—to share our deepest burdens in a discreet manner, but we know we will be “judged” and put on the have-not shelf with those other “nonspiritual” or “weak” Christians. Are you serious? Get real! Get off your pinnacle of spiritual superiority.
Is there any cure for your hurts, doubts, and fears? There is, dear friend. What does the Holy Bible counsel us to do? “Casting ALL your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7). Run to the loving, caring, and compassionate arms of Jesus Christ. Don’t hold back. Cast ALL your care on Him…He cares for YOU. Trust Him. Why not start today?
March 11th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Thank you Brother, this is well said, especially for today’s Church.
I wanted to ask you a question. What has been the greatest enemy of the Church since the 1st century? We know that Satan is the author of all sin. Wars and disease, etc. have affected the Church. Ignorance and persecution have been major factors.
I have come to the conclusion that the greatest enemy of the Church is the Church itself. If we can focus on Christ, the Church would be so powerful a force, many would see the blessings God would bestows on His people.
Romans 8;31 says, “If God be for us,who can be against us.” I could go on, but I think you can see where I am going with this. Keep fighting the good fight Bro.
We Love you Forrest.
In Christ,
Don DeSimone
Gal 6:10
March 11th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, brother Don. You asked: “What has been the greatest enemy of the Church since the 1st century?”
I confess, narrowing the answer to a single “greatest enemy” is beyond my understanding. Is it Satan? The world? The flesh? Perhaps we could blame Eve. “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (1 Timothy 2:14) Maybe it’s really Adam’s fault. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12). I don’t know.
What I do know (and you are right) is that the Lord Jesus Christ is the solution. Personally, I spend my time focused on Him. He is still the way, truth, and life. He has the preeminence in all things. We are complete in Him. IT IS FINISHED!
Hebrews 13:8 still holds true. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
March 11th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Forrest,
Thank you so much for your blog. As usual it hits home. The Lord has taught me so much over the last 4-5 years. He is my all sufficient one, and that He is the only one who is truly dependable.
Now the Lord is teaching me to trust Him with Don’s health and not fear what would happen to Karen and I if God chooses to take him. I can’t tell you how scared I was the day Don had his seizure. I still get scared at times.
Please pray for us. Don has an appointment on the 30th to see a kidney specialist-his kidneys are stressed. I know that my Heavenly Father is in control, but unfortunately I have this fleshly body to live in. We love you and your family. You are in our prayers daily.
Looking for HIS Return,
Barbara
March 11th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thank you sister Barbara. This “mortal” life gives us a fit sometimes, doesn’t it? We’re on the same side of a struggle. I will continue praying WITH you and brother Don. Keep seeking the Good Master.
Ephesians 6:10 gives some good counsel. “Finally, my brethren, be strong IN THE LORD, and in the power of HIS might.”