It’s a hard, hard life.
It is a hard life following God.
David is still being pursued in 1 Samuel 23.It is striking though how often the
phrase, “and David enquired of the Lord” occurs. Did you notice the miracle up
the mountain? As the chase takes place in the desert area in the Dead Sea region, just as Saul closes in on David, a
message comes. It distracts Saul who retreats; a miracle of God’s timing. God
sends the Philistine raid at the last minute to help save David’s life.
It is a hard life for Ezekiel too.
God sends him, (Eze 2:3-4) to an obstinate and stubborn people. God says he
must go anyway and speak his words, whether or not the people will listen.
Three times in verse 6 God says “do not be afraid”. It is a message for us too,
to speak God’s words whatever the response.
In 1 Corinthians 4:9f Paul
describes the hard life which apostles have and will continue to face. He uses
strong language, fools for Christ, v 10, and refuse of the world, v 13. Do you
pray regularly for those Christians having such a hard life today, for
Christians in Pakistan , Iran and Iraq
We are reminded that the kingdom of God
So if life feels hard today,
enquire of the Lord, like David, don’t be afraid like Ezekiel was reminded, and
approach others with love and a gentle spirit, always remembering to pray for
those who are persecuted.
(member of the PCC)