"Seriously Taken"

"I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:" (Psalms 116:10)

 To be perfectly honest, this verse kind of puzzled me, until I realized how true it actually is. I don't think that there is a man or woman of God that has ever really not had a moment of doubt, a time in their life when they did not feel as though they were alone in the fight, or a lapse of faith after having experienced the greatness of God's power and strength. I cannot help but think of two very important figures in the Bible, John the Baptist and Elijah; both of which had a powerful ministry, yet in a single instant were seriously in doubt. These were men that were proven to be anointed and called by God; anyone that witnessed their lives, could not deny that God's hand was guiding and directing them. And when it came to expressing their belief, both of them were afflicted and persecuted for expressing what was in their hearts. It really comes down to what Jesus said to Nicodemus about how people react to the light, that men love the darkness and hate the light. Even when you think that you might have finally broken through, and you have given the message that finally brought everyone to the alter seeking forgiveness, it will be somehow taken wrong by the evil in the hearts of those that refuse to change. No matter how right you are, if people do not want to change, your message will not be received, and it will be twisted. We are living in a very interesting time, one where the world is somehow becoming darker, and the Light is becoming more and more offensive. The reality of 2 Timothy 4:3-4 is setting in, and there is more and more of the churches that are becoming more like the world. With that said, this verse is the reality of what we should expect! You know, Abraham did exactly what was required, he fell on his face! That is the only affliction we should really receive...

"We have the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believe, and therefore I have spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many rebound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affection, which is but for a moment, worketh in us a far more exceedingly and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:13-18) KJV