Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “Don’t Try to Walk before You Can Crawl” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/17/08)
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TITLE: "Occupy" | Previous Challenge Entry
By c clemons
01/24/08 -
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I heard you received some disappointing news the other day. I also heard that this news set you back both spiritually and mentally. Listen, don’t feel bad, who hasn’t slipped or stumbled when the thing that we were believing for seemed impossible? In reality it probably is, but nowhere do I read in the Bible that our God only deals with possibilities. Nor does it say He deals only in the natural. He is a supernatural God that uses impossibilities to His glory.
I know your Christian walk begun in earnest when you were put behind bars. You went from total despair to hope when someone told you about a miracle working God. In every letter you spoke of His goodness and mercy and how He would see you out of this thing. Your “gung-ho” attitude was infectious and I am sure those around you were infected and affected by it. You spoke of your plans of some type of ministry upon your release, which you and all those praying for you, hoped would imminent. I remember cautioning you that even if things didn’t quite work out like you want this minute that He still is for you not against you. I also recall telling you that this time is not about denial but a merely a delay that can still be used for His glory. This time of delay can be used to study the Word, build up your inner man and develop a closer relationship with your heavenly Father.
Being sold out to God is not just when things are going good. It is a daily walk, good times and bad. I understand your feelings of disappointment but as far as not wanting to live because your appeal was denied, shows a level of immaturity. Not, in your physical age but in your spiritual development. I truly believe you have accepted Christ into your heart, I truly believed that you have a calling on your life. I also know you are in a controlled environment right now but the real world has plenty more disappointments in store for you when you get out. Regard this “time” as a training ground, refining and sifting out of the old man so the new man can come through as pure gold.
I am reminded of a scripture that reads “…Occupy until I come…”* we are to be found doing what he has called us to do when He returns. If you have a ministry, minister right where you are. I am reminded of Joseph in the book of Genesis, who no matter where he was, he still functioned as a man of God. Paul, when he was in prison, not only gave God praise but also when the prison doors flew open, led others to Christ. Occupy, dear son, we all should be found doing just that, no matter where we are. In the workplace I try to show the love of God through my interactions with whomever I come in contact with. So you see from the janitor to the President, occupy, till he comes.
In closing, continue to do what you know to do, which is to pray. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the time to develop into the real man of God that you were called to be.
With love,
Mom
*Luke 19:13
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