An Everlasting Hope

First of all, don't these covered hay bales look like marshmallows in the field? (:

A Summer Challenge

Summertime can be a mixture between business and relaxation, often lacking structure.  I find that this makes it difficult to regularly be in the Word.  Though I am making an excuse by saying this, without meeting friends/family for Bible study weekly, and with other Bible programs on hold, my own personal commitment to spiritual growth sometimes wanes.  In order to combat the excuse for laziness on this front, my mom and I decided to start a "competition".  For 10 weeks, until the end of the summer, we decided we would complete three goals:

1. spend time in the Word by finishing a lesson of Bible study each week (if you're looking for a fantastic way to study the Bible for yourself, check out the PUP studies by Precept Ministries!--many countries have their own website, but you can link to them from the American site)


2. read books--each book must be at least 100 pages long.  My goal is to read 20 books.


3. memorize Scripture.  I am trying to memorize the first two chapters of Hebrews so that I can remember the verses in context.

If we complete our goals in each category, we'll award prizes to one another.  I'd recommend setting some goals with another person over the summer and trying to be regular and consistent about your own spiritual growth.

The first book that I completed for the reading challenge was by Elisabeth Elliot, called Discipline: The Glad Surrender.  There were so many points in the book that impacted me, but something that is especially relevant right now came from her chapter on "The Discipline of Work".

Summer Struggles

Recently, I have been feeling out of place, a bit lost, and somewhat lonely.  Some things I have planned for did not actually occur, and as usually happens, life got a bit jumbled up.  I have felt undervalued and have kind of pitied myself a bit, to be honest.  Every so often, I get off track in this area, and Satan's lies feel far too real:

• "there's nothing for you to do here"
• "you're not even serving according to your spiritual gifts, so you might as well not do anything at all"
• "you're all alone"
• "you're a single girl and can't teach or encourage anyone who is in a different stage or place of life than you"
• "things would be better if you were somewhere else"
  

These are the proverbial "the grass is greener on the other side" comments.  Sometimes it is easy to, along with the loneliness and feelings of being out of place, become apathetic and bored.  But although I struggle with those feelings of boredom and loneliness, the reality is I am not alone and there is plenty to do.  The Bible teaches that "whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24).  Even if I do not feel like my work is benefiting others, that does not mean I can slack off and stop putting effort in.  My work is still to be done as unto God.  My reward is from God, and is not based on feelings or the measure of influence that I see.

Elisabeth Elliot suggests that there are three ways to help stave off boredom.  We all must have:

1. Something to do


2. Someone to love


3. Something to look forward to

That sounds pretty simple and easy to arrange.  We all can usually find a lot to do, whether with house and yard work, raising children, attending different functions, going to work, etc.  In fact, there is often more than enough to do!  Also, most of us have family or friends close by and relationship we are invested in.  Some people struggle with loss of loved ones, but usually still do or have had someone to love.  And many people tend to be optimistic, always looking for the positive aspects of things, so look forward to events.  I tend to be a little bit more towards the pessimistic side of life, and clinging to hope of the future is harder for me; however, I do make goals and want to achieve certain things.  So these three strategies to prevent boredom should be doable for everyone!

How Do We Make It Happen?

We have to then search for something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to.  Amazingly enough, all three of these things can be found in one person--Jesus Christ!  He gives us a good work to do, He is to be our good Master who loves us and whom we are to love, and He provides a hope and future to all who follow Him!

No one and nothing else can satisfy all three areas at once!  My problem though, is that I still tend to look for fulfillment in the wrong places.  I listen to the lies of the enemy and think that if I can just get the right job, or live in the right place, or be with the right people, or travel where I want to, then I would have a goal and would be satisfied.  None of those things are actually bad, but the grass is not greener on the other side, and I will never find true satisfaction if any of those things are my focus.  Yes, these may be good things, but they cannot be the ultimate goal.  Anything other than Jesus might bring temporary happiness, but never permanent, long lasting joy.  I am beginning to realize that only Jesus can lastingly satisfy!

Another part of the problem for me is that I like to plan ahead and have things work out exactly as I planned.  But only God knows the future, and my job is often simply to wait and trust.  God does not give answers and direction all at once, but our imperishable hope which doesn't disappoint can be found in Him (Romans 5:5).  In the meantime, while waiting, I need to spend time with Jesus in Bible study and prayer, knowing that in Him is life and peace everlasting!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ~ 1 Peter 1:3-5

We must remember and choose to come to Jesus as the source of our fulfillment, love, and hope.  Our hope must be in Jesus, the only way to God and the one who offers forgiveness for our sins.  If we believe and acknowledge that Jesus is our Lord and Master, then we will have a hope that can never be taken away!