Isaiah 66:5
But listen to what God has to say
to you who reverently respond to his Word:
"Your own families hate you
and turn you out because of me.
They taunt you, 'Let us see God's glory!
If God's so great, why aren't you happy?'
But they're the ones
who are going to end up shamed."
If God is calling then there is nothing else that you can do and be happy and fulfilled. God made each one of us and He made us for a plan, if we don't follow it we will be going against what we were made to be. Because we are human though there is often doubt in our minds and many things tempt us away from the path. The enemy puts many obstacles in our paths. If we are truly for God then we will follow His commands no matter what, even if your own family ends up hating you. As Christians we will be subject to taunting and attacks prompted by the enemy who is desperate to get us to turn away from God.
No matter what happens in life following God is the best and greatest thing any of us can do. It may not always be nice, it may not always be easy. In the end however you will be rewarded for your loyalty and service when our Saviour welcomes you in to His Father's house.
So true! ... I am never more alive than when I am talking about the Lord and sharing Him with others. Yet so many are not receptive...especially my brother! He wants to argue "religion" ALL the time. So, that's not good.
ReplyDeleteThe Bible says we should be ready always to give an answer to those who ask us of the hope that lies within us. All my brother wants to do is to try to make me mad and then prove that I don't practice what I preach. Ha!
He tries to tell me that Jesus isn't God...that only parts of the Bible are true...and he doesn't believe in the Holy Spirit.
And all I want is for him to accept Jesus and not die and go to hell. We show kindness to him all the time. He lives with us, drives one of our cars and uses anything he wants to in our home. He doesn't work and he is a gambler. He has nothing except a very small amount that comes from the Veterans each month...and if he didn't live here he would have nothing and would be on the streets.
I say all of this just because I think it is so true that it is sometimes the hardest thing to live your faith in front of your own family...especially when they persecute you for it. My husband is an amazing Christian man, and he is the one who takes care of my brother...because even though he is retired now, he worked hard and saved for many years. If he didn't want to help my brother I could do nothing for him. I love my brother who is 57 years...and even though I grow weary...God isn't finished with him yet.
But God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think...so we just keep praying for my brother, loving him, and letting God love him through us.
Thank you Sam...for living your faith and for posting your encouragement here for others to read.
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits