Finding New Life in a Hostile World

These past two weeks have been eye opening to say the least. My mind is still processing things. I am realizing that things that I thought were pretty stable aren't really that stable. It happened like most things happen. I wasn't prepared for it. I don't think anyone can prepare. The world of my youth and those shadows of the past that frightened me then are a reality now. Yet surprisingly the fear that I felt then doesn't effect me the same way. It is hard to describe.

It is funny how things that happen outside your own little world can affect you so much. I had to admit that I didn't have a clue on how to move forward. The information I received disturbed me. I had to process it, analyze it and make some sense of it. It wouldn't be easy. I had to trust that God knew this was happening and had orchestrated it from the beginning.

I am grateful that God is in control. With him I do have new life in this hostile world. Without him I am nothing. It is a lesson that I need to learn over and over again. I can't let frustration and anger get the best of me. I have to allow God to do his perfect work. I have to be his willing servant and heir.

Yes, when I think about all the deception in the world, I cringe. In my own strength I am no match for Satan's schemes. He loves to throw the doubt and despair card at me. He loves to distort words to rile up enemies. He is the Father of Lies. I know that I have no power on my own. I crumble and flail when I'm left to my own devices. Yet I also know that I'm never alone. I can find new life in this hostile world. I can rise above those who would pull me down into the pit of despair and desperation. I'm not going there anymore. I am embracing the new life God has given me through his son's sacrifice.

I can't ever forget that sacrifice. Jesus took my place. It is because of him that I can live in this hostile world. It is because he lives that I live in him. That concept sometimes still blows me away. I struggle to comprehend his great love for me. I do long for others to know this love. My words felt inadequate to express it properly. (John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that we may have eternal life. Pondering those words again makes my heart soar.