You are not a Failure

As long as you belong to Christ, you are not a failure.

As many are spending, laughing, enjoying family and the "season", there are many who are reflecting on what they should have but do not. Regret has creeped into the hearts of many during this season as most don't have enough to buy what they want to buy to give what they want to give.  Sadness and sorrow are tagging along to bring depression and lowliness of spirit during a time when we should all be rejoicing and praising God.

I'm writing this not to the unsaved or unrepentant but to those that are saved and call Jesus their Lord.  Many of us are not experiencing comfort and joy during this focused time of worshiping Christ for coming into the earth to be our Messiah.  Instead we are being bombarded by thoughts of how much farther along in life we thought we would be and what we wish we had in this season be it money, a home that we own and not rent, a spouse, children, a happy family, invitations to wonderful holiday parties, money to buy gifts for others that we care about and whatever else the enemy can use as a point of discouragement for us.  To top it off the enemy brings to mind those who don't call Jesus Lord but seem to have everything in life you wish you had.

If anyone should feel that way it should be me.  I had the best education, best opportunities, most coveted jobs, favor beyond imagination..... and I lost it all! Through my own stubbornness and disobedience, I made some choices that caused me to lose what my carnal mind says I should have had; The family I always wanted, the financial stability and even the ministry I could have had had I not let fear keep me from moving forward.  People have even said my life is just a waste.  Others have wished me ill and said she is getting what she deserves for being arrogant (in their opinion) or outspoken.

But no matter what the last 50 years have involved, whether good or bad, I rejoice in this.  That I understand and know my God that He is, "I Am, the Lord".  Jeremiah 9:23-24.  And this is not an arrogant boast.  I know I don't know all there is to know about God, but what I do know makes me want to know more of Him.  I do know that He loves me beyond man's borders and above man's wisdom.  I know that His love for me is what guided me and kept me through truly tough times over the last 50 years.  I understand that what I think I've missed here on earth, and yes, I did miss out on some good things because of disobedience, is nothing to be compared to the eternity of only joyous life that I will receive at His coming.  I understand that He is the only one worthy of honor, worship, praise, glory, dominion and power and we should all ascribe that to only Him.  I understand that all power is in His hands and that with one phrase, "Let there be..." all things came into being by the Spirit of His son, Jesus Christ, who has always been one with Him.  I know that this same God and by this same Spirit things in my earthly life are turning around for good,  and I understand that they are turning around for His good.  I understand that the whole point of my life is not to live well and have all my desires met, but it is to accept and live in the Kingdom of God as a true Kingdom citizen and to help as many others as He gives me to do the same.

Yet, I also know that because He loves me He will give me the desires of my heart as I walk in obedience to His word (Else I might be consumed by my desires).  I know that God loves YOU with a love that can't be measured with numbers or matter.  I understand that He will lead us all in the path of His righteousness and no matter what we've faced, our latter days will be better than our former if we can keep our heads lifted so He can come in and show Himself to us.

Don't be deceived in this season by the bombarding of thoughts the enemy may bring your way.  Keep your eyes on Christ and Know and Understand His love for you.  Let His light replace the darkness that is trying to consume our hearts and minds.  Let us Look Up! and see the salvation of the Lord.  Tis the season to trust in God and know who we are in Him, how much He loves us and how much He desires to give us our desires as we are prepared to receive them.  This is a joyous season, let us worship the Lord our God, for He is worthy to be praised.  Our circumstances mean nothing in the face of such an awesome God.  Father, we love you, we honor you and we stand to recognize you as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah!!  You are great and greatly to be praised and we give you all of ourselves for your will to be done and your name to be made known throughout the earth.  Amen.