Light of the World, thirst-quenching water

With a heavy heart, I read, I hear, I perceive a difficult struggle that many friends and acquaintances are going through. It reminds me of a not so far in the distant past struggle I went through myself. The struggle of belief. The struggle with my own faith community. It was a struggle for many years, some days were stronger than others. Some days were more skeptic filled than others. I realized the struggle was much of an internal one, and an outgrowth of needing to understand and accept for myself. I am greatful for the many friends who openly discussed with me and didnt necessarily agree with me. They were faithful companions during this struggle, but the struggle had to be overcome not by my friends, not by their thoughts, but with my Creator and me. I remember the words from my Creators book, I am the Light of the World...and Whoever drinks from the water I have will never thirst. It is a life-giving water. Nothing that I can do can add to that light or to that life-giving water. It cannot make it taste better or shine brighter. I cannot add to it or take away from it. So can I say therefore since I cannot add to it or take away from it it doesnt affect me? I used to think that way. I used to think that I could still be refreshed without drinking daily or find the way without the constant need of light. I used to think I could analyze the properties of the water and light and come with a very nifty way (through my intellectual prowess) to explain the light and water, its functions and purposes, which I can extract and which I can leave behind, in reality leaving me without either water or light. *sigh*

I am grateful for my Creator's faithfulness. Because once he helped me to understand there was nothing I can add or take away from the light or water, he also helped me to understand that when I am accepting both and partaking of both as he intended, that I would also trust and desire to follow him where he leads and to obey him. Once you realize this precious gift of light and water and partake continually, obedience is a love response.

Though I have a heavy heart when I hear of friends or acquaintances going through this struggle, I am reminded of my own struggle, and how my Creator was (is) loving, faithful and patient with me. I take courage in that for my friends and acquaintances, my Creator is also your Creator and is lovingly, patiently, leading you as you allow him through your struggle. I pray that your struggle experience will draw you deeper and more connected to him, the Light of the World and the Thirst-quenching (life-giving) water.