One of the exciting things about having a relationship with Christ is that we may journey with Him, which makes life an adventure. The adventure is one of change and focus and being able to soar above the circumstances by keeping our eyes on the eternal.

This morning, my reading was in Ezekiel 1. In this opening chapter, Ezekiel is describing the “invisible” world. He sees a heavenly vision that involves whirlwinds, raging fires, rainbows and odd-looking, living creatures. In chapter 1:6-11, Ezekiel attempts to sketch a visual for us:

Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings. Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straightforward.

 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies.And each one went straightforward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went.

We might try to imagine what these different creatures from Ezekiel’s description are doing or what they look like, but verses 9 and 12 give us significant insight.

 V12: And each one went straightforward; they went wherever the spirit  

 God has given each of us many opportunities to move with Him. We all have the command to “go and make disciples”. The problems arise when circumstances bring doubt, discouragement, disappointment and the fear of defeat. Are we willing to go straightforward and not turn when the Spirit moves us to go?

The problem comes when our beliefs, understandings, fears and needs speak louder, as a result of our current situations, than the Spirit of the Lord’s voice.  As our lives change, these issues may not change.   When we experience something shocking, overwhelming, scary or challenging it can take some time to shift our focus.  It is in this moment of needing to shift that we often sit still.  Sitting still is not a problem. It is what we do in the times of stillness that can become problematic.  Fear, dread, panic, exaggeration, overreaction, depression, insecurity and uncertainty are just some of the emotions that can overpower good judgment and hinder our faith.

Good judgment becomes necessary to shift from the fear to faith. It is in this moment that we need to lift our eyes to see the eternal.

You are capable of determining what you believe, what you understand, what you are afraid of and what you need.  And you are certainly capable of doing that with careful consideration through the Scriptures, prayer and wise counsel.

You can go forward by the leading of the Spirit and choose to not turn your head to follow the distractions or false fears.

We speak from experience as Bobbye and I have been in ministry for over 10 years, and have experienced the vast range of situations, circumstances and emotions. It is never easy and the battles continue but we must move forward. We’ve been asked to host women’s conferences throughout the United States in 2014. Partnering with Salem Broadcasting, we will be holding evangelistic crusades in 19 cities, ranging from New York City to Houston to San Francisco. Have we been distracted, discouraged and downright depressed at times? Yes. However, we believe that God has called us to go straightforward and bring a message of hope, encouragement and faith to women, all over the world.

Through radio, television, webcasting, Internet and conferences, the message of the gospel will go to every nation and generation in the name of Jesus Christ. The task is big but the opportunity is now. We are asking for your prayer support and your financial support. Support from partners like you is making a difference and we thank you for your support throughout the years as well as now.

We ask that you prayerfully consider a donation or offering to Daily Disciples Ministries. We need your support to support others and to continue the mission of the ministry: to evangelize and to disciple, to encourage and empower, to teach and to train. It takes tremendous resources, finances, technology and ongoing support, but to God be the glory for great things He has done, through His people.

God uses the body of Christ to accomplish His purposes.