I've been doing some thinking, so my coffee is nice and strong this morning...
I've been pondering a conversation I had earlier in the week. One I gave a quick response to but then it kinda gnawed at me awhile...like it wasn't quite through with me...like it was asking, "Are you sure about that?" "Is that your final answer?"
The conversation had to do with facing opposition in your faith...
Do you ever feel like you're standing alone in your faith?
In the workplace...with your family...in your circle of friends...maybe even in your church?
This was part of our discussion at bible study this week. What do you do when you are livng in line with the Word and those around you are not? Or worse yet, mock the fact that you are...
Do you let them pull you down? Do you lose heart?
As God would have it, my devotional this week brought some clarity...
According to Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, "A servant of God must stand so much alone that he never knows he is alone. In the first phases of Christian life disheartenments come, people who used to be lights flicker out, and those who used to stand with us pass away. We have to get so used to it that we never know we are standing alone...Allow nothing to keep you from looking God sternly in the face about yourself and about your doctrine, and every time you preach see that you look God in the face about things first, then the glory will remain all through..."
While we may find those who believe as we do, they are not our barometer...they are not who we base our faith on. For that we stand alone, one on one with Christ. His is the face we seek glory in.
"The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death." 2 Timothy 4:16-17
Do you feel like you are standing alone in your faith?
Yes, but that is how it should be...the firmness of my faith is only as strong as the foundation and that rests squarely on the Cornerstone...my one on one relationship with Christ...
and that's my final answer.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Patty
These pretty flowers are what's blooming in my garden this month. There are roses, columbine, pincushion flowers, scented geraniums, daisy's, statice and peruvian lillies. Hope you've enjoyed them as much as I do.
I have linked up to Spiritual Sundays and AZ plant ladies Monthly Garden Bouquet.
13 comments:
Beautiful post and lovely flowers. I love reading your posts, Patty. Have a great weekend hun. :)
Thank you for leaving your sweet comment on my most recent post. I have so enjoyed visiting your gardens (awesome, seeing your beautiful arrangement, and reading your wonderful devotional. Prior to coming to your blog, I was really irritated at the Mother Earth and Beloved Earth post for Earth Day. Your post was very timely and placed me in a more Christ pleasing mood. Thank you.
I use Espoma products on my yard and plants. They have a specific product for roses which I purchase at Ace Hardware.
The flowers are stunning! The most powerful testament to us not being alone. God is in the garden, the spring and all around us saying "Feel Me, look at ME....!" It is easy to feel alone....but I try and go within to feel the Spirit's presence and see the bounty of a garden like YOURS!
Thank-you for the inspiring post! My first time here.....stop by if you have a sec!
love, kelee
Hello Patty,
I remember reading the particular devotion in my Oswald Chamber's book as well. It can seem lonely at times, but I just remind myself that I am NEVER alone as Christ is always with me.
Thank you very much for participating in April's Garden Bouquet. I listed your link. Your bouquet is so beautiful :-)
Nice post and pretty flowers/. Have a great weekend Patty.
Hi Patty,
I love Oswald Chambers' writings! I have his book, My Utmost For His Highest and it is one of my favourites. I can read it over and over again and always receive something new and fresh from it. Yes, we must stand alone. As long as we're in this life, we will have those who judge and misunderstand us. But stand, we must. After all, we are never really alone for He is always there with us. Good word and gorgeous flowers! Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Sandi
Thanks for such a great post. I believe, as Christians, we are going to see more and more oppostion to our faith...so the encouragement that Oswald Chambers provids is needed.
Love your beautiful flowers and love your beautiful attitude. Thank you for sharing all of them with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Hi Patty! There are many specific times I have felt the lonliness too...not a pleasant feeling but at the same time, the sweetness of knowing He completely understands, helps me to draw nearer all the more! We have a friend in Jesus! Thank you for sharing your devotions and your flowers are beautiful!
Hugs, Carolyn
beautiful post and the flowers made me smile...
Wonderful reminder of the promises of God in the Bible that we are never truly alone in and through Him! As one of my pastors used to tell us, with God in us, we are always in the majority :) :) :)
Loved the flowers, as well! So beautiful!!!
Thank you for the delightful and uplifting Scriptures and devotional. :)
Patty, yes, I have felt alone in my faith, just recently. My answer was to stay close to God and get quiet. He is always speaking to us but generally we can't hear for all the noise that surrounds us.
Your post is lovely!! Happy Sunday.
This is a powerful post, it gives me something to think about.
Have a blessed week,
Ginger
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