The most dangerous season for a Christian is the peaceful one following a chaotic trial, or a heart wrenching hardship. It’s the period of time when you take a deep exhale, and you feel like an overcomer! Because in the hardest days of your life, you clung to Jesus as a lifeline. In my darkest hours, I cried out to Jesus, “Help me!”
And then He brought you through the thing you thought would take you out. Light began to appear on the horizon and I rejoiced, thanking God for carrying me through. Subsequently, one random victorious day, a thought crept in, “You made it. Girl, you did it!”
Sooner, rather than later, all of us gradually take back the reins of our lives because we feel capable and empowered to once again handle our circumstances. Self-sufficiency is bred into our sin sick flesh, and independence is cultivated by our western societies.
That’s some treacherous territory! Because just about the time I think “I got this,” the enemy creeps back onto my path, sniffing around for the sour scent of pride, and a whiff of the stench of arrogance. He’s snooping around for his favorite sights and sounds, the semblance of idolatrous activity.
I don’t know your current circumstances or the nature of the season through which you’re currently traveling. Perhaps, you are experiencing the throes of a daunting challenge and you need Jesus moment by moment to survive. I can appreciate that place with you, and encourage you to call on the mighty name of Jesus.
But if you’ve come into a more peaceful moment after a big storm, could I encourage you to keep calling on the name of Jesus. May I be so bold to ask that you remain alert. Pay attention to random thoughts of being able to handle things all by yourself.
And perhaps, ask yourself these few questions, which I’m currently asking myself.
- Are my eyes on Jesus in this fruitful time?
- Am I asking Him daily to lead, guide and correct me?
- Am I willing to receive correction?
- Am I taking every thought captive to the truth of God’s word?
- Am I reading God’s word and asking Holy Spirit to teach me?
And finally, keep communication lines open. Talk frequently with God. Let us take our example from Jesus as He frequently set aside time to converse with His Father, God. I invite you to pray with me.
Lord, Jesus, please come and do what only You can do in my life. Help me to daily see myself as Your lamb and You my Shepherd. For you are good and know what You are doing. I want to trust Your authority and provision for my life because Your ways are better than my own. Call my name and draw me ever nearer to Your presence. Amen
Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa
Thank you, Joanne! I appreciate your interaction here. Bless you for all the reading and sharing you do each week just to keep us encouraged and writing! I appreciate you. Keep writing.🌸🪴
Lisa, I so appreciated this post. it is so true. When things are finally going smoothly or well, we think the storm is over. We need Jesus even then. We need to keep our eyes on Him every day. The idea of we as sheep and Jesus as our Shepherd has crossed my path so often over the last month. This >> “Help me to daily see myself as Your lamb and You my Shepherd.” Amen! He will lead and guide us in the way best for us. Blessings!
Lisa, what a wonderful message and lesson within. I don’t got this because every time I tried to do life on my own I failed. May we keep our eyes on Jesus (and shine).
Visiting today from Joanne’s
Thank you, Jerralea! I wish I weren’t so knowledgeable of how this works, but thought convicted to share my experience. Prayerfully, this will be an encouragement to keep eyes on Jesus every day 🌸🪴Thank you for your comment.
Lisa, you are so right! After a trial is over, we tend to get our eyes off Jesus. I loved your line: “Because just about the time I think “I got this,” the enemy creeps back onto my path, sniffing around for the sour scent of pride, and a whiff of the stench of arrogance.” Very descriptive words that pack a punch. Self-sufficiency stinks!