In Times of Need - Return to the Cross

Many time God just wants us to LISTEN. Yes, prayer is the foundation of our Christian lives. But to many prayer is speaking to God. Crying out to Him, pleading our case, or asking for strength. For many years I have experienced times when God will tell me "Get Up...Wake up because there are things that you need to here and I do not want you distracted." Most of the time it falls when I have had very little sleep and it is always around the time frame of 3:00am. Why? Only God knows but I wake up clear minded and I know my Father wants to speak to me. Maybe, I hope, you have experienced times like these. If you have I would love to hear from you. This morning was one of those times. I had troubles on my mind regarding a particular course I am taking at Liberty University. called, "History of Life". It is more of a science class than it is a biblical  case. But in short it compares science to the Bible's account to creation. Creation vs. Evolution. With it comes many theories and scientific terms which my old mind has a hard time grasping. But nonetheless, it is a required course and the first two weeks have not been easy or successful for me.

As I sought God's voice this morning and meditated on the scriptures Romans 5:8 jumped off the page. "God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." As I meditated (Still listening) I found my answer for my struggles, "Return to the Cross". God assured me that during this time of struggle I must "Return to the Cross". Some inquired of me once, "Why are you going to school at such an old age?" My reply, "God told me to."

This verse confirms that even when I was a sinner lost and dying God loved me. I began to reflect on the profound love of my Savior's love and the terrible struggles, pain that he endured to may the ultimate sacrifice of the entire world. His arms on the cross were stretched out as to say universality, "Whosoever may come." So just as His grace extended to me for salvation. His strength extends to me during this time that I struggle with this course. When He told me to return to school for His ministry He never promised that there would not be struggles and stress. He assured me that he would be with me during these times but I had to return to the cross, Pray and have faith.

So I would stay to you this morning at 5:11am. If you are struggling with sin, work, family or many of the problems that can come about in our society. "Return to the Cross". God has a wonderful plan for our live but we cannot rely on ourselves. He gave Paul struggles, as he carried God's word he had suffering, pain, hunger and hardship but each time He "Returned to the Cross." But is we read Paul gives us the answer for his struggles and pain, "But it was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God, who raised the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:9)

Yes, I have seen the posting on Facebook, "If God Gets You To It, He will get you through it." For this statement to give us strength we must, "Return to the Cross" and not rely upon ourselves and be thankful to God for His presence in all things so that we do not have to rely on "ourselves".

So, this was my Father's advice this morning regarding a simple issue of a difficult academic challenge. BIG to me but nothing to God if I rely totally on Him. Got issues "Return to the Cross."