THE PATH TO THE RIGHTEOUS

Did you know that whales oftentimes die from drowning? Strange right? When they live in the sea. The thing is, they have blowholes because they need to come up for air. Though they live in the sea, they need air from above to breathe, as with Jesus and His followers. “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”(John 17:16). So, as followers of Christ, we are not to do what the world does but what the Father calls us to do. “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” (Isaiah 1:17 NLT) To serve a Just God, a God who cares for the lowly and meek, is a privilege only His children who know Him have been granted.

Some days, it is like a violin with a broken cord. It is a candle with more wax than wicker. On those days, the call to do good and seek justice in Christ's name may feel like the battle was lost before we got there. That’s how I felt when I connected with this verse. My spirit felt the pain of all the days where I felt as though all my deeds were done in vain.“Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.” (Matthew 13:3-4 NKJV) Not only did it feel as if it was fruitless, but all it had reaped in those many moments was more pain and suffering. Yet, just as rainbows appear when the storm passes, so did the presence of the holy spirit and the calm voice of the Lord. “ and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”  (1 Kings 19:12 NKJV)

In those moments, the peace of a small child surrounded by beautiful lilies and a thousand butterflies trapped in time washed over me. In those moments I was reminded of how faithful He is. He never failed me before, and He won’t start now. I could hear Him speak to my soul without the utterance of words.  “Seek me and live righteously; every sacrifice will not be in vain, and everything you touch will be fruitful.”

There will be days when the strong calling to Christ over our lives will feel as heavy as the grave that awaits our flesh. Praise God, that’s not the end for us and all who are in Christ. We’re not alone in this. When the weight does feel too heavy to carry, HE WILL RENEW your strength and help you carry it. On those days you feel like you cannot walk, HE WILL CARRY YOU. He is a faithful God, and just as the Lord remembered Hannah. “ And Elkanah knew Hannah, his wife, and the Lord remembered her.” ( 1 Samuel 1:19). He, too, will remember every tear and honor every sacrifice.

Just keep being faithful. Keep walking in righteousness. The expectations of the righteous shall not be cut short. 

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colo. 3:17 NKJV)