by Ricky Doc Sauceda
Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
As a young boy I began to pray to God. My mom told me he existed and that all of my needs could be taken care of. I never doubted this. Since that time I have been praying. I have been praying harder than any other time in my life since the Spring of 2009 when my life began to crumble.
I have been reading my bible, listening to sermons, fellowshipping, worshiping and relying on God more and more each day. I am constantly working on my faith and keeping the Lord on my mind. Even when I am frustrated or being tempted I think of him. Frustrations from dealing with life in all aspects: family, work, self, relationships, spiritual expectations, etc. Temptations from food, fond attention, anger and knowing I need to be controlled and forgiving.
I think of my young years when I looked at the world with expectation and hope and dreams. As a grown man I look at the trail I have left and the path ahead is uncertain. I know that the Lord will guide me as I rely on him and place myself in his loving hands. I think of the utmost goal of my life: the new Jerusalem.
It is my goal to walk there and be in the holy presence of our Creator. This is my ultimate goal and not any amount of worldly status or success can gain my entrance into that city. I have to gain access by being a loving believer and follower or the Lord Jesus Christ. I have to be a loving child of God in order to walk in that city.
There is more time to live this life, which will be my proving ground for the place I want to be for eternity. I must understand that there is nothing I can buy or sell that will satisfy the requirement to be in the new Jerusalem. It is by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and taking to heart the commandment of love.
My purpose is to share this message with you as an example of faith. Not a polished and fancy message...just a simple one. I cannot translate Greek texts or interpret biblical commentaries. I am a simple man who has a direct approach and feel that it is best to work with my strength. That would be plain words - be strong and have faith. That was the message from my grandma and that is all that we need to understand.
Life is always going to offer difficulties and challenges. It is all I face and I know I must keep relying on God to get me through. I have a slew of problems I am facing but I know God will take care of me. I have seen him do great things and know he is capable of many more. I know he is for me and not against me...he has proven it to me time and time again.
I just thought I would take a moment and share this message with you because I am facing great difficulties. I have no idea how it will all be taken care of and I know I cannot fix it. I know that only God can. So, when the opportunity arises I will share how he fixed all of me. That will be a good story and testimony of his greatness. I eagerly await being able to share that with you in the future...near or otherwise.
Blessings to all of you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.