I imagine that each of them has known Jesus for about 60 or 70 years. And in those years, God's goodness has been known to them. Inevitable struggles have been lightened by the strength of his mercy and grace. They have this wonderful, lifelong faith to draw from. And it will sustain them. It will be their daily bread, and in the end, it will be enough.
The strength of their convictions spoke to me yesterday as I prayed for them. And it occurred to me that this Jesus-thing, the Way, works on a deep and primal level. Blessed be His name when the sun's shining down on me, when the world's all as it should be. Oh, but the intimacy and knowledge of Christ we experience when the unthinkable happens in our lives. And it will. Blessed be your name when I'm found in the desert place. Though I walk through the desert place, Blessed be your name. (Matt Redman)
If the Christian faith is true, it must be true when the bottom falls out. And I can testify, it is.
It follows, then, if we know it is certain, that we must pattern our lives on it and we must share the truth that we know with others. That we will sacrifice our comfort to preach, and teach, and share, and serve. And that is where this song comes in.
I really love what artist Allen Levi is doing, giving away a beautiful song each day on his website. They are poignant and profound; rich and soul-soothing. This one is called "They Will Still Be Wrong," and it is for every believer in Christ who feels called to share the light with others, while sometimes being rejected. While always seeming to go against the flow of the world and its convictions.
Here's the link. Just click it, then click on the musical notes to hear the .mp3. Then close your eyes and let it minister strength and courage to your soul.
Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.
-Deuteronomy 31:6
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