As I was sorting through the daily mail, my life suddenly merged with the lives of fellow believers thousands of miles away. As I looked at the simple foldout from a magazine, the brown and white colors of the map muted the violent attacks these persecuted Christians endure. The map, pinpointing places where the gospel goes forth with great struggle, reminded me of Paul’s call to pray for those who boldly speak the Word of God (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).
Whether we share the gospel in a country where religious freedom is upheld or in one where persecution abounds, the battles are real. To be victorious, it’s vital that we possess perseverance and resolve.
Intimacy with the Lord both solidifies our purpose and sustains our obedience when circumstances seem uncertain. In Exodus 33, we read that the Israelites would stand at the door of their tents while Joshua followed Moses and moved beyond his place of comfort to the very presence of God. And there Joshua would linger (v.11). His determination to be in close relationship with his sovereign Lord paved the way to the places where God was leading him.
Our own “times in the tent” are essential for our relationship with God. They may include quiet reflection or moments of anguish and days of questioning. As we experience God’s presence, He examines our hearts and purifies our motives. As we experience a time of sustained worship and submission, we begin to see His perspective (1 Cor. 2:12-16).
When the battle seems overwhelming, being “in the tent” determines our response. Communion with the One who holds the future is the only thing that will take us past discouragement to determined faith. From that place, victory is won (Luke 22:41-43).
More:
I seek . . . to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life . . . . For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock (Psalm 27:4-5).
Next:
How do you respond when tempted by discouragement? In what ways do you make it a priority to spend time with God?
bethanyF on January 14, 2010 at 10:47 am
I want to get closer to God too.
regina franklin on January 14, 2010 at 11:29 am
Dear Bethany,
God hears the cry of your heart! The words of Jeremiah 29:13-14 bring me so much hope when I wonder if I’ll ever be able to know Him the way I want to. It doesn’t begin with our effort–it begins with our heart. And when our heart is submitted, then we can begin to act upon the truth of the Word. I will be praying that this will be a year of greater intimacy than you’ve ever known with the Lord. My you rejoice in knowing He delights in you and longs for fellowship and communion with you.
Blessings.