I'm in one of "those" times right now. - REVISITED

So my post yesterday may have come across too doom and gloom. It really isn't that bad. I have to tell you, God has been very good to me, and I am very excited about what he has done in the past few months, and where he will be taking us in the future. But, yesterday I was feeling quite human, weak, mortal. (Not necessarily a bad thing right!) I didnt "feel" very strong spiritually. I didnt "feel" like I was doing an adequate job as a parent. But I also didn't "feel" like working at it yesterday. I was/am fighting the battle of complacency.

My great friend and LTG partner Rob Smith called me up after reading my post. He felt like I needed to hear something specific from God's Word. So he spent some time digging around and shared this passage with me:

2 Timothy 2
1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

This passage really hit me in a personal way. Isn't God cool! Look at how many personal connection I have with just these 7 verses.

As a Pastor, I am now in a position where I have to be untrusted and qualified to teach others - therefore I need to be strong in Christ. I have spent time in the military - therefore I understand how a soldier needs to stay out of trouble in the civilian world. I have spent time training as an athlete - therefore I understand playing by the rules. I grew up on a 300+ acre dairy farm before leaving home when I graduated High School- therefore I understand what it means to be a hardworking farmer. I am now learning what it means to reflect on all of this... and I am praying for God's insight.

Sometimes God chooses to hit us square betwen the eyes. Thank you Rob - it was exactly what I needed.