Until you’re dead.
“Satan will do everything he can to create space between you and God.” – Ryan Summers; youth pastor
There is so much truth here. God’s word tells us there is a battle going on every day, not with flesh & blood, but with the unseen. An enemy prowls around looking for people he can devour.
But, his devouring is not what we often think of.
He seeks to kill, steal, destroy in the daily. He will find little things that begin to separate us, and before long we are standing before a chasm, thinking we can’t get back.
But, the truth is, we are never too far…until we’re dead.
The enemy has a way of convincing us, though, that we are too far.
I have seen it over & over, in my life and in the lives of those around me.
For me, I am in one of those times. Since Thanksgiving, it’s been the little things that have begun to add up:
- Being un-able to help all the time at church due to crises at work, due to sickness. A separation.
- Being sick – constantly. Just when I get past one, it’s another.
- Being exhausted from afore mentioned crises & sicknesses.
- I began to do less in regards to my bible reading/prayer time.
- Pulling back from the positive influences in my life.
All of these things have brought me to where I am tonight, even more exhausted. Missing that part of my life, which He didn’t give up on, I did. And, wondering, “can I even cross the chasm? It’s been so long, I don’t know where to start, what to read, what to pray…”
The truth, as I’ve said, is that I’m not too far…until I’m dead.
And, regardless of how low I feel today – whether I’m in the pit or the palace, on a mountain or in a valley – I am still alive, so I’m not too far.
The enemy would have us believe that not knowing where to start, or thinking we’re too far, is a good excuse to not do anything about it. He keeps us away from Christ by keeping us paralyzed by apathy. The truth is, not knowing where to start isn’t a good excuse.
There are bible reading plans all over the place. Most chapters in Psalms & Proverbs are short. There are devotional books designed for five quick minutes a day.
There are verses that are easily memorized and stored in your heart for deserts like this, that will open the way back.
Turn on some worship music that ushers in the presence of God. Or sit quietly in your special place. Opening your heart to the truth that you are still able to find redemption in Him.
As for prayer? One place to start is with your remorse, and desire to cross the chasm by way of the Cross. Start with your repentance & gratitude for His grace & mercy.
And, trust that you are never too far…and that your rest will come, even if you don’t feel it right away. Trust in your Abba’s mercy & love, wait on the Lord and find your rest.
“But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Author Candice Jenee’ 