Sunday, February 5, 2012

When The Going Gets Tough

If your only glimpse into my life has been this blog, then you probably thought I fell off the earth for a few months. Sorry about that. From a blogging perspective my life just hasn't been that interesting. It's been fairly interesting to live it, but it wouldn't be that interesting to read about it. I guess that's mostly because I like to write about good news and exciting things that happen in my life, and those have been few and far between.

I don't know if anyone reads this thing, but it doesn't really matter. I just need to write. I've been so discouraged by countless things in the past few months. I try to seek out the positive and hang on for dear life, but sometimes I start to lose my grip. As a discipline in my life I thank God for the day and for his immeasurable grace in my life every time I pray. Knowing that every day is a blessing and that I don't deserve to live another minute (but still do) helps me get through the day. It seems like I work so hard at something and get nowhere, which makes me question whether what I'm doing is even worth it. I know it's a lie that the devil tells me; but that doesn't make it any less discouraging. I know deep down that the time I have invested in the Lord's kingdom work will not have been in vain. I long for those days when I get to see the truth behind that. In some cases I may never see it, and I must be satisfied with just the faith I made a difference. When I do see it it means the world to me. A couple weeks ago I had a camper (whom I've been praying for these 6 years) reconnect with me and tell me that I impacted his life. It's those moments that bring the most joy. Sometimes I ask myself, would I do it even if I knew those moments weren't coming? Would I continue the work if it was made known to me that I would never know the result of my toil? I hope so. Why? Because the true reward is on the other side. When I see Jesus face-to-face it wont matter a bit if I got to witness my own fruitfulness. Nevertheless, I am in a time of emotional hardship.

1 comment:

Rachel said...

Nate, I'll definitely be praying for you! Keep fighting the good fight. I can relate to feeling like a lot of what we do is not accomplishing anything. Sometimes it's really hard to hold onto the promises of God. And you're right... Satan is lying in our ear to discourage us. But the One who fights on our behalf is mightier.

I've been thinking a lot of about spiritual warfare analogies lately... and I think "dry" periods like this are like times when generals get together and strategize (ie. we are praying and hopefully talking to other Christians about our struggles). These times are absolutely crucial in preparing us for the next big battle (and big victory!).

One more thing: Galatians 6:9 says
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.