Another story was laid on my heart….
Title:
The Days After
Scripture:
James 5:16
Story behind the Story
This story is inspired after talking with individuals who recently accepted Christ as their savior. They were describing previous situations were still present in their life causing issues. My heart goes out to individuals who are trying to change. After the emotional high has subsided, trying to live a new life can be hard at first!
Poem
You wake up one day knowing things should be different
You accept the calling from our Lord and savior
For a while the emotions are awesome
The feelings are so natural and feel really good
You didn’t realize a person could feel this way
It is a new world with lots of new things coming along
You join groups, dig into his word and start down the right path
This path has you growing closer to Jesus
The one thing that can happen after a while
The day after, or a few weeks or months go by
The old life and some things remain the same
Some people haven’t adjusted or consequences from previous lives remain
Your new found faith provides some protection
Although the old habits don’t go away completely
The emotions linger trying to pull you back to your old self
You resist and pray the problems will disappear
With so much going on, it’s hard to keep it straight
Forgiveness is an easy thing to say, although not so easy to implement at first
The negative emotions of defensiveness come charging back
Before accepting Christ, this was the only way you knew
The enemy sits back and waits to see how we respond
Waiting for the “high” to subside
When things return to normal
When old habits try to creep back in
The enemy will pounce like a roaring Lion
Waiting to devour those who recently gave their life to Christ
Being Vulnerable, Feeling helpless isn’t normal
It’s easy to return to the old form
The old form seems normal and the new normal seems odd
For every individual, their walk and healing their wounds is different, it takes time
The one thing that is the same is Jesus in each of us
The Holy Spirit is there helping although we have to choose to change
Sharing your pains with a brother or sister in Christ is a first step
The rage and confusion you feel don’t easily go away nor do the problems
In His time, things will smooth out although that can seem like an eternity
The best thing I can say is, pray and involve those who can help you through it
Plainly state you have changed and trying to live differently than before
How can we calmly work this out or come to a truce
These are difficult things and facing them alone can make us defensive
When difficult times arise, we need to seek God’s help
We need his guidance, direction and love
God, please help new believers to keep on the right path
Towards a stronger relationship with you
Through your son Jesus Christ!
Amen!
Pondering Thought 