Philemon 2:12-13 (NLT)
Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Not sure if it was Scripture or something a mentor shared with me long ago. But it went something along the lines of “Following GOD can be among the lonliest things you can do.” While such a statement seems sacreligious, there is truth in it. Analyzing the Scriptures alone (no pun intended), you can witness this. Elijah, John the Baptist, and the disciples to name a few. GOD responded to Elijah by relating that there were many who had not bowed their knees to this world. To the imprisoned John the Baptist, he sent an encouraging word that Jesus was the Messiah and that salvation is happening. He delivered the long-awaited promise of the Holy Spirit to the disciples as he said he would never leave them or forsake them.
We are often exhausted, feel as if we’re the only ones genuinely serving, are persecuted and Jesus doesn’t come to deliver us, or feel like he spends an intense amount of time with us only to depart suddenly.
When we come to our breaking points, GOD is there. Whether we always “feel” him or not, he comforts and strengthens us with his mere presence.
Take encouragement in this today. In the fight for joy, this fight to seek the glory of GOD, we aren’t alone.
