Posted by admin in Christian Living | 4 Comments
The Truth Remains
(c) 2009 – J.L. RyanÂ
You can tell a lot about a girl by how she fares in life’s struggles. It doesn’t matter if she knows the Bible, sings like a bird, recites stirring prayers–it’s the troubles that give her away. Nothing like hard times for showing who you really are. I should know. My own personal issues have recently highlighted my own weak spots for the world to see. Contrary to what I’d like you to think, I’m not a perfect Christian.
Looking back over the past few weeks, I see frenzy. I may look alright on the outside, but inside it’s an emotional boxing match. Disappointment about a guy I really care about (Punch), turning 39 this week (Punch), dating stress (Punch), economic business challenges (Punch, Punch, Punch). A knock out. My lack of spiritual strength to endure these situations–and a few more–caused me to lose site of my first love and only hope. Jesus Christ. Â
It starts in the heart. The heart is like a compass; it must point to the heavens–or your feet will go astray. Take one step in the wrong direction–and if you don’t turn around–you’ll walk into a pit. One bad decision leads a thousand more.
Veering into the red zone, I seek my own remedies instead of trusting God. I’m searching for something again, forgetting that it’s already found. My flesh leads the way. It delights in the sizzle of the world, the false promises of desire. In just a few days, I wander from God’s will, heading back down the path from which I came. A homogenized version of what God has called me to be.
So now what?
Admit defeat? Yes.
Confess my sin? Yes.
Repent. Turn around and face God, no matter if I want to or not? Yes! Yes! and Yes!
Why?
Because I know the truth. I KNOW the truth! Even when I don’t FEEL like the truth is the truth, the truth is still the truth. The truth will always be here, whether I chose to participate or not. Honestly, I was having a great time heading in the wrong direction. It was fun for a moment, but I’m neither deceived nor ignorant of the enemy’s devices. ”There is a way that seems right to a person, but in the end, leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
I choose life. (Jn. 10:10)
So here I stand. A 39 year old single businesswoman, living life on God’s terms. Am I humbled? Yes. Weak? Yes. Broken? Yes. That’s how God wants me. Dependent on Him alone as I walk in the light and fight the good fight of faith. (1 Jn 1:7, 1 Tim. 6:12) Troubles come and go–but The Truth remains; and by His grace, so will I.
Jenna,
My heart and respect go out to you. My heart, as I along with many other have recently or are currently learning the painful lesson of humility. It’s never fun to learn the lesson of God being more interested in our character than our comfort. We become closer to him as we have faith in his plans, not ours.
My respect, in being able to expose that wounded side of you as it’s sure to build faith in others while instilling a truly humble Lord’s servant in you. I have struggled exposing my weaknesses and failures to others and you have encouraged me to share. Thank you.
Blessings,
Jerod
Thank you Jerod. Your kind response means so much.
J.L.Ryan
Wow! This is strong.
It’s funny that you say you’re not a perfect Christian. In fact, if there were perfect Christians, I guess we wouldn’t really need the Bible.
I’ve learned to view humility as a fun lesson in life. There’s a lot of irony in that. Humility seems to breed ability… the ability to grow a stronger relationship with God.
I’m marking this blog on my favorites.
Keep walking strong.
Cohawk
Thanks for the comment, Cohawk.
I guess when I say “Perfect Christian,” I really mean “Bare Minimum Christian.” I can do better–I know it. It’s crucial that I stay focused on Him, and with all the distractions that is difficult… Now’s my time to lean on the Lord as I press-in and keep on moving in Him.
Thanks,
JL Ryan