The journey of the Soul
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately for me, my sensors had been shut down temporarily until the rising of a new dawn revealing a new horizon. I remember the turn of the last century from the 1900s to the 2000s. Already we are up 20 years, two decades into a new century. It is as though two decades just passed by in the bat of an eye. I can only see the reminisce of the glory of the Lord as He has carried me over this threshold in order that I might serve my divine purposes for His kingdom. For that, I am eternally grateful and I totally get why it was essential to turn off my sensors… temporally.
Like most human beings with eternal souls, we reject things that are godly. It is so foreign to us because while living in mortal flesh we are transformed by the mind and body that encapsulates our essence. As commonly known, we are not of this place but currently dwelling here on earth, in this place. The reverse of absent the body, present with the Lord is our current status… we are in a mortal body away from the presence of our Lord. Only through a spiritual awakening can we possibly realize that we are currently traveling through time eternal on a divine mission. The hope is that we do not fail our essential reason for being here. It is such a chaotic environment living on earth. Most cannot leave this place unstained by the ravenous clutches of sin.
There are times when I actually sense the Spirit of the Lord withdrawing His presence. It is the feeling a baby has when the parent pulls their hands away to allow them to take their first step. Even though I know it is an essential part of my journey, still, it frightens me. Though I long to return within the full presence of my Lord here beside me, I realize what has to be done and the manner in which it has to be done. Our Helper wants us to develop into strong souls, even more, capable of service unto the Lord. If that required stepping away in order to strengthen us, then so be it. Even to acknowledge this is a step towards spiritual maturity.
So what are we to make of this? Should we be content with our temporary suffering knowing that the Lord is never far away? Does knowing He stands in the wings of our lives make the pain we feel go away? How did all the other great servants through time deal with their suffering? Our Lord Himself suffered more than one can imagine as He willfully allowed Himself to be crucified on a cross so mankind could be saved… reconciled back to our Heavenly Father.
Read about the faithful servants in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews noting what so many of the early patriarchs and matriarchs did in service to God from as early as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Joseph and so many more. All these servants were living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers here on earth. This is not a complete list because it only covers the time before Christ. Look at what the disciples of Christ faced in order to spread the word of salvation among the people. Each of them died a horrific death for the cause just as Paul and many of the New Testament writers who delivered the Great Commission so we may have a written document to see what the Lord has done through His servants.
If there is any solace just know Who you are serving and for what purposes it serves. The Lord only disciplines the ones He accepts as His children. He perfects them along the journey so they may become complete, not lacking in anything. In your fight against sin, you have not yet had to stand against sin with your blood. Although service to the Lord may require sacrifice, the gain is glorious… and eternal.
“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.”
Just know that not all children are alike. Some are weak and some strong. Some may require more encouraging than others. Some are very creative, athletic, smart, introverted, adventurous, wild, meek, popular, or shy. However, each of them has been given a gift to use in service if they so choose. Though all have a talent, it might not be fully exposed because it was intended strictly for use of the Lord’s purposes. The Father put His gifts in His children as needed. Should anyone use them for selfish gains, they will receive a selfish reward. However, if it is used for the Kingdom, they will receive a Kingdom’s reward. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, or mind imagined what God has in store for those who love Him.” That is the nature of the grand prize.
So I say unto you my fellow travelers, if things feel a tad weird to you and the world seems to be turned upside down, just know that Your Heavenly Father is standing in the wings backstage, watching your every move, witnessing your every breathe and heartbeat. You are never alone, nor will you ever be as so, if you belong to the Father. Yes the road ahead may be bumpy, but you already know where it ends; you know your final destination. Know that your temporary suffering will unfold a precious and unbridled soul worthy of entrance into the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, my fellow journeymen… Rejoice!
