Most days, I honestly feel like all I have to show for my struggles is this resolution – of which I become more convinced of the older I get:
God tells us attacks will come, that there are evil forces we cannot see who hate Him (and therefore us), that there are thoughts not in line with Christ Jesus which need to be taken captive, and that we must renew our mind by focusing on what is true.
We all struggle with thoughts of doubt, fear, condemnation, shame… You are not alone in your struggle! God tells us there is nothing new under the sun, that Jesus went through every temptation, and that He completely understands our struggles. He shows us, through David's example in the Psalms, that we can develop the ability to command our souls to put trust in God. We can learn to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.
God Himself says in Romans 5:1-5: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (emphasis mine)
God uses struggles to grow faith.
He is creative - and able - to turn what was meant for evil into good. Our hardships are not ever wasted or ignored by our Abba. He not only weaves those hardships into good eternally, but also internally. He teaches us remarkable peace, unquenchable joy, and tender love. How mighty and kind is our God!God tells us attacks will come, that there are evil forces we cannot see who hate Him (and therefore us), that there are thoughts not in line with Christ Jesus which need to be taken captive, and that we must renew our mind by focusing on what is true.
We all struggle with thoughts of doubt, fear, condemnation, shame… You are not alone in your struggle! God tells us there is nothing new under the sun, that Jesus went through every temptation, and that He completely understands our struggles. He shows us, through David's example in the Psalms, that we can develop the ability to command our souls to put trust in God. We can learn to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.
To struggle with thoughts is human. Yet there is something
absolutely amazing
about being transformed
from broken "caterpillars" into vibrant, healthy butterflies
who can soar in faith.
Soaring in faith can happen. YES! It's true! Hope is calling you to choose to believe. It is not easy, but God is faithful and HE makes it possible for our faith to grow. We who are saved, are not only saved for eternity. We are also saved from this present age of darkness. We are free to live as living “lamps” for Jesus to shine through.
God Himself says in Romans 5:1-5: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (emphasis mine)
Do you see all of the present-tense wording? For followers of Jesus Christ, these things are DONE. We have peace with God. We have obtained grace which we stand in. We learn to exult as we mature in our understanding of what has been done for us. [There are countless testimonials of believers who grew to welcome persecutions because Abba taught them what an exceedingly great joy was available to them through those tribulations. So we ought not be discouraged when we don’t grasp this yet. We know that God’s Word is true.]
Sisters, let us not be afraid to hope. Let’s believe – at this moment – that Abba God uses our struggles, because He loves us and He finishes what He starts.
Oh, Abba! Please release us all from the crippling fear that keeps us from trusting you. Give us courage to believe that you really do know what is best for us and that you intend to bring it to pass. That best might not look like what I expect it to look like, but I want to believe your love is perfect and always tender. Teach us what perfect love even means. So many of us have been hurt deeply by others and don't know what goodness is. Teach us, Father. We are listening. Protect us from those who beat, torment and taunt us. Give us sound minds, full of courage and faith. And help us cling to Jesus while we wait for your faithful answer. In Jesus' name...
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