Keep Moving Forward

You are right, O God, and you set things right.
I can't argue with that. But I do have some questions:
Why do bad people have it so good?
Why do con artists make it big?
You planted them and they put down roots.
They flourished and produced fruit.
They talk as if they're old friends with you,
but they couldn't care less about you.
Meanwhile, you know me inside and out.
You don't let me get by with a thing!
Jeremiah 12: 1-3 (Message)

"So, Jeremiah, if you're worn out in this footrace with men,
what makes you think you can race against horses?
And if you can't keep your wits during times of calm,
what's going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?
Jeremiah 12: 5 (Message)

There was once a day when God didn't require as much of me as He does now. In the early stages of this walk, He allowed me to work things out in time. He still does that, but the things He waits on are more difficult than they used to be. The other things, He expects me to already have worked out. Today, I find myself asking the above question from verses 1-3 countless times, even though I know the answer. "This person or that person seems to have favor, and yet, you don't require 'this' or 'that' of them."  I am sure I am not the only person to say this to God.

So, what is the answer? There is only one verse that repeats in my mind when I start to wonder about what God asks of me. "The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he'll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!"   Luke 12:48 (Message)

The more noted translation of this is "to whom much is given, much is required". Once you have spent time studying the Word and seeking God's will, then God will start expecting you to honor the lessons you have learned. Yet, with every new requirement, you also receive a new blessing. To receive, you must first give, and to keep receiving, you must keep giving.

So, why not just stay where you are? Why not stop trying to study and learn more about God?  The answer to that question lies in this verse:  "So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You've had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God's pure kindness. Then you'll grow up mature and whole in God."    I Peter 1:1-3 (Message)

My advice to you today can be found in this verse:  "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit."   Galations 6:9 (Message)  After all, as Jeremiah 12: 5 states above:  "If we are worn out running against men, how are we going to run against the horses?" The horses are the real battles---they are the spiritual battles.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."  Ephesians 6:12 NIV

Be blessed today as you continue on your journey. Try not to compare what God asks of you to someone else, or you may end up with their burdens and not just their blessings that you desire. Do not grow weary!   The time for harvest is coming. Finally, remember the struggles that truly matter are not against man, but rather against spiritual forces. However, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."   1 John 4:4 NIV