Putting God on Your Side

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

You've probably doubted your faith or your personal relationship with God for a while. You wonder why others enjoy a stable spiritual life or a faith that accomplishes the impossible, while you don't. You may think God isn't interested in you. Well! That's not true. You are no less spiritual than anyone else, nor more neglected by God. The Christian life is an ongoing process; we grow little by little. We don't become spiritual or have a strong faith overnight.

When I was young, I remember hearing a pastor say that unless God wants him to be sick, he never will be. This statement haunted me all my life, so much did I want to be like that pastor. Then, one day, when I was sick myself, my wife asked me to go to the hospital. Trusting that God was with me, I told him I wasn't really sick, but that God wanted me to rest for a while. I was assured that God was with me and that my discomfort was due to fatigue.

Paul asked the Philippians to follow his example and put into practice what they had learned from him. He knew they needed motivation and exhortation. Like Paul taught, what I heard from this pastor inspired me to seek God throughout my life and finally develop a strong faith. We can love God and His Word, but it is far more important to put what we have learned into practice. Only then will God reveal Himself to us and guide us in all our decisions. Applying God's Word to your life means putting Him on your side.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.