As I walk

In this writing, I wish to tie in two different Scriptures that many might not relate to one another. As we walk through our lives, we are bound to encounter obstacles, and some of those can be intense and even scary at times. Some can be life-threatening health issues.

These can change our lives, either for the good or for the bad, depending on how we engage them in our spiritual life. My family and I recently went through just such a health scare with myself. It came on very suddenly and we all began to think this could possibly be one of those life-changing issues, possibly even terminal.

I will not go into detail, but I lost over twenty pounds in three weeks and became very weak. I saw the worry and concern in the faces of my family and friends and that troubled my heart. After the initial shock of the first few days I became determined to use this to strengthen my relationship with God and to pray even more than I had been prior.

This may not seem that important to you the reader, but when I mentioned to my wife that I was praying even more, her comment was “more than you did?”, because I pray a lot throughout the day every day.

One of the Scriptures that came to mind was Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. If you read this Scripture, one thing to notice is that it says walk through, it does not say as I stand or when I find myself in such a valley, it says, “As I walk through”.

When we find ourself in troubled times, we must continue to move forward. We will often find the situation to be a test of Faith or an attack of the adversary. To be able to pray, not only for healing or help, but to give thanks that Christ never leaves us or forsakes us is a key to progression.

This is walking through and not becoming stationary in the event. Certainly, troubled times can make us feel weak mentally, physically, and even spiritually if we succumb to them, but in spiritual matters we cannot allow ourselves to let weakness enter in.

We must begin praying and praying like we have never prayed before. Ask others to pray for you and your family, also. Few go through troubled times alone, so be sure and pray for those that suffer with you. I covet the prayers of others, and I do ask those who I know that will to pray for me.

I honestly believe that it has been prayer that is bringing me through this issue. I have received no treatment because there has been no diagnosis, despite the tests I have received.

The verses that I clung to and that led to the understanding of Psalm 23:4 comes from 2 Timothy 4:7-8 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I realized that Psalm 23:4 was what Paul was talking about in 2 Timothy.  It became easy for me to understand that “Fighting the Good Fight” was a continuous fight and not short conflicts. I also realized that we must be ready for the fight in our faith and determination.

Then Paul stated that he had finished his course. He had stayed true to his service to God and not allowed himself to waiver during times of turmoil or to become proud in times of peace and victory.

Thirdly, Paul noted he had kept the faith—he had not allowed himself to become weak or lose hope, and he always remembered the the Lord would never leave him nor forsake him and that he did not walk alone in this life.

This understanding and these Scriptures helped me stay strong and determined, contemplating the depth of love that Christ has for us and that He was with me as I went through this obstacle in life. My faith grew even stronger than it had been and this situation has given me a new perspective.

Yes, it has been somewhat distracting. Between several hospital visits and tests trying to determine what was happening, there have been times that my focus wavered, but I was determined to honor God and serve Him to the best of my ability.

I learned something about myself. I learned that the true desire of my heart is to serve the Lord my God until the day He calls me home.

I hope this helps when and if you find yourself in troubled waters or walking through the valley of death to do just as Paul did and fight the good fight, stay the course, and keep the faith to the end!

God didn’t just anoint you for the assignment, He also anointed you for the attacks!

Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple