Prayer-Soldier Newbie
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Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 2:33 pm Post subject: From Drudgery to Rejoicing |
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From Drudgery to Rejoicing
Scripture:
The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling. As a servant longs for the shade, as the hireling looks for the end of his work; so I also have had empty months, and have numbered to myself wearisome nights. If I lie down to sleep, I shall say: When shall I rise? And again, I shall look for the evening, and shall be filled with sorrows even till darkness.
My days have passed more swiftly than the web is cut by the weaver, and are consumed without any hope. Remember that my life is but wind, and my eye shall not return to see good things.
(Job 7:1-4, 6-7)
For if I preach the gospel, it is no glory to me: for a necessity lies upon me. For woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me. What is my reward then? That preaching the gospel, I may deliver the gospel without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. For whereas I was free as to all, I made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more.
To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I might save all. And I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may be made partaker thereof.
(1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23)
And immediately going out of the synagogue they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. And the mother of the wife of Simon lay in a fit of a fever: and forthwith they tell him of her. And coming to her, he lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. And when it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill and that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were troubled with diverse diseases. And he cast out many devils: and he suffered them not to speak, because they knew him. And rising very early, going out, he went into a desert place: and there he prayed. And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. And when they had found him, they said to him: All seek for you. And he said to them: Let us go into the neighboring towns and cities, that I may preach there also; for to this purpose am I come. And he was preaching in their synagogues and in all Galilee and casting out devils. (Mark 1:29-39)
Reflection:
As we are faced with the challenges of the day, we might be seduced to believe there is no hope. We look at our endeavors without seeing an end. We hear the news of politics and economics and see no light. We look at our jobs and our vocations, but do not see an end to the work which must be done. Happiness seems elusive no matter what we attain. It is like a snowflake which melts as soon as it is caught in the hand. If this is all there is to life, then, we might ask, for what purpose is our existence?
If our focus is only for the desires of the world, then, we shall never be fulfilled. No matter what we may gather of material things, all may be taken away from us over time or in an instant. We cannot sustain ourselves by ourselves; therefore, He has sought to teach us a better way.
If we change the focus of our ambition from our desires, but to sharing love as He taught us, then, our days will care for themselves. As people join hands to care for one another, all are blessed. The focus of our existence transitions from the drudgery of our work to the blessings we give. The work does not end, but the love which we share builds rather than consumes happiness.
The good news of hope comes to us through those who saw, those who experienced and those who were sent forth to spread the gospel. This mission has been passed from generation. The gospel is a treasure which was never meant to be hidden, but to become the light unto His path. Only the evil one is served if it is kept hidden in the heart by those who receive, but choose not to act upon their faith. Those who understand its meaning and the hope which it brings shall find a fire within which will compel them to invite others to the blessings which they receive.
It is right, for a time, to find a place to be alone and to reflect. The noise of the world is so great that it causes stress and fatigue, but time with Him in prayer calms and rejuvenates. What purpose, though, is it to be energized by the Lord if that energy is not shared? The news which has been brought to the generations cannot be hidden, it cannot be silenced, for no matter how hard the evil one tries, the gospel is a light which cannot be put out.
He came to the world to bring the light of the Word to the world. He gathered together those He would send forth to spread His news. From those who have heard and have received understanding also receive a responsibility to share the light with those who remain within the darkness. Those who bring the light to the dark shall be remembered by Him. They shall receive His blessing for each soul which may have been lost, but now is saved because such distressed hearts were reclaimed as they heard His Word and saw the blessings it will bring.
May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier
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