Bring on the Summer!!!
By: Jerrin HoltSummer months, as expected in most parts of the world, have a reputation for being extremely hot, dry and dangerous if not properly prepared for. As far back as anyone can remember human beings have sought various methods in order to tolerate and survive the scorching rays of the sun. When you step back and compare the seasons to our lives, summer is a season that tests our ability to withstand heat and stress as we wait for a more temperate autumn to arrive. As a child growing up in Texas, I would often say to myself after enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees for sometimes more than 30 days, "If hell is hotter than this, I sure as hell don't want to be there!" That Texas heat is enough to get you saved and in line with the Lord if you know what's good for you.
God has already let it be known that life is not going to be an easy or comfortable ride all the time. Truth be told, most of our troubles and shortcomings stem from our own self-inflictions and imperfections. As we constantly grow spiritually and become wiser, we begin to understand and apply different ways of avoiding the heat/evil that is sure to burn us, drain us and kill us if not treated with caution. Satan and hell are all around us waiting for the chance to catch us slipping and burn our spirits. It is up to us to prepare to endure such harsh times in our lives by applying spiritual sun block and staying hydrated with God's word.
No man or woman can avoid the presence of sin and evil, just as no place on earth can avoid the experience of the summer season. There will be times in our lives when we are faced with situations that tend to be a lot hotter than normal. It could be conflict in your marriage, problems on the job or an internal struggle with addiction for example. When faced with such adversities, that saying, "The heat is on" proves to be true. When we fail to prepare for the heat we find ourselves fighting a losing battle. People then find themselves becoming spiteful and giving up on their marriages. Others find themselves miserable, tense and on edge in the workplace. Some even find themselves dying a slow death due to detrimental habits they can't seem to shake. But just as science has proven that sun block, hydration and awareness of the summer's heat is the key to protecting ourselves from sun-related damage, God teaches us that He is the answer to the heat and hell that comes with life. Coating and protecting ourselves begins with prayer and an open line of communication with God. Being able to talk to Him and ask Him for help, protection, wisdom and love is just like throwing on some SPF 60 sun block before stepping out into the elements. God has promised joy and prosperity to the faithful and righteous of this world. It is important that we never forget His promise or the price that was paid for our existence to continue. The consumption of God's word is like cool refreshing water to the soul. In addition to offering us knowledge and life, it also prepares us to endure and resolve issues we may face within ourselves or by the hand of others. Relying on God's word to illuminate the path along our journey in life is the key to survival just as water is the key to the survival of all living things.
When we learn to remain aware and respect the power of the sun's rays, we become more agile and efficient in its presence. The same holds true with the presence of evil. Being aware that evil is constantly around us. Being aware that alone, we are powerless against the temptations and vices that evil seduces us with, which are the very things that should provoke us to protect ourselves and become wrapped up in the majesty of the Lord. When we are covered and prepared to walk among the hell and the heat of the world, we can progress and prosper despite the environment or elements that surround us. God is the only method of outlasting and conquering the hell that constantly extends its sinful flames towards us. God has a purpose for everything in life. Although it seems in some places on earth that the heat of the sun has no useful purpose in promoting life, it is part of a much bigger plan that only the Lord knows. Likewise, we should never get to the point that our suffering or afflictions become aspects of life that we accept. There is a way to overcome any problem and adapt to any situation that one might face in life. Sometimes God permits sizzling droughts to test our faith in Him and the love that we have for ourselves. He has already given us victory and promised that joy cometh in the morning. Protecting ourselves and withstanding the heat is as simple as seeking, praising and believing in God's word and promise to man. Those of us who prepare to live in the midst of heat and evil by relying on the power of God will breeze through summer this year and all the years hereafter.
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