God is truly my help. I asked one of my spiritual mentors how some people seem to keep the fire lit after being saved. They remain burning and hot for God for while others are up and down. She told me that I was speaking of a baptism of fire.
When I asked God, He told me that the basics of a steady walk that goes from faith to faith and glory to glory is simply this. [Here, I will record it as it came to me.]
“When you’ve allowed your circumstances, past or present, to affect your relationship with me, it created spiritual instability. Oluchi, why do you go to church?”
I answered, “for you.”
He continued.
“You continue to attend church even though you’ve experienced, seen and heard all manner of foolishness in there.* Nothing has ever stopped you from going because it is clear in your mind that none of those things have anything to do with me or us. Now, if you can bring that same mindset into your relationship with me, if you can keep your circumstances from changing how you treat me or see me, if you can prevent yourself from projecting onto me and instead partner with me, if you can keep drawing that line between your life and me—your walk will be stable and see steady growth. Don’t allow anything to affect what we have and worked so hard to build. Okay?”
Me: Okay.
So what does that look like practically? Here is it:
If I allow you to enter into a relationship? You guys are cute. Still talk to me.
I bless you with five kids? Sacrifice and wake up earlier to meet with me.
Ministry got crazy? I know. I still want your time.
You didn’t get the job? Tell me how you feel.
Can’t pay your rent? Don’t let that stop you from praying or believing I’m a provider.
Someone tried you? Let me try them. 🙂
I didn’t give you what you asked for? Don’t shut me out in your disappointment.
I didn’t heal your father from cancer? Come cry to me.
Your parents don’t act like Christians? I know. They’re my children too. I’ll tell you what to do.
[This dialogue ended with this thought: We are going to need this level of spiritual maturity as we enter into the final hours of earth’s history. We must separate life from how we treat God.]
*Please note that “foolishness” is not referring to doctrine but the behavior of professing Christians, even within church settings.