By F. D. Adkins
From the beginning of my writing journey in 2021, I knew this path was from God because, if not, considering my education, skills, and knowledge, it is a path in which I could not have taken the first step. Last week, I shared a mind map of my thoughts concerning my goals for 2024. My reasoning behind creating the map was to search scripture, reflect on what I had accomplished this past year, and set resolutions focused on fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. With much prayer and meditation, I was sure it was time for the message God had laid upon my heart for Book Three in the TRUTH series to come to life. As soon as the new year hit, I planned to be ready to dive in full force.
Then, the first of the year came, and so did a great deal of obstacles. Only a few days into the new year, the falling rain began to extinguish my fire, causing me to question whether this was what God was really calling me to do. That is, until I had an epiphany this morning when I opened my Bible to the Gospel of Luke.
In Luke 9:57 (KJV), a man tells Jesus that he will follow Him wherever He goes. Jesus responds in verse 58 by saying, “…Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” In other words, Jesus is making it clear that following Him will not be easy. In the next couple of verses, Jesus asks a couple of other men to follow Him, but they make excuses, detailing things they have to do first. In the final verse of Luke 9, Jesus states, “…No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 KJV).
As I read these words, I realized that moving forward in my writing is what God is calling me to do. But, as Jesus explained in verse 58, following where He leads may not always be easy. The devil will put doubt and stumbling blocks in front of us, but God will give us the means to endure. 2 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) assures us that, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Of course, (referring back to a study I did in August of last year on the book of Job), the devil cannot do anything to one of God’s children unless God allows it. Job was a faithful servant, so the question was, “Why did God allow Job to suffer?” But in the end, Job gained a greater understanding of God, which, in turn, brought Job closer to Him.
Similar to Job’s situation, in Luke 22, Jesus tells Peter that the devil has asked for him. He says, “…Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31 KJV). This reiterates that the devil cannot do anything to God’s children without God permitting it. However, in verse 32, we again get assurance that God has not abandoned us and will give us strength to endure what is coming. Jesus asserts, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32 KJV).
Jesus is praying for us in our hardships. How amazing is that!
In summary, following where God leads may not be easy. And rest assured, if we are working to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives, the devil will put up a fight. But if we “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 KJV), with Jesus praying for us, we know that, “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 LKV).
Farrah, I am so blessed to have you for my daughter. I read the words you write and to see the faith you have. This is something I’m sure satan would love to trip you up and cause you to fail, but I believe God has a better plan to use you. Don’t ever let satan tear you down and make you doubt your faith in God because he will if he can. Remember, God is always with you and you don’t have to face anything alone. Whatever you feel God is leading you to do, then DO IT.