I have been wending and wading my way through what has been, unquestionably, the most challenging period of my life to date. I have looked up to God, but I have also, many times, felt a distance between us of my own making.
Sometimes I am angry with Him for letting me go through such pain. My rational mind knows how stupid that is, and how sinful. I repent. I try to listen for His voice. Then I clench my fists in frustration and the cycle begins again. Here's the thing: I know in my heart of hearts that His plan for me and my loved ones is FOR OUR GOOD. We were not created for continual defeat.
Yesterday I prayed very specifically that I would tune out religious spirits that mockingly tell me that suffering and defeat are my lot in life. No, Jesus Christ's death on the cross was my path to worthiness in the presence of God. Yes, I will grow from suffering. No, God does not bring it. It is the by-product of being in a fallen world, and is also the work of my adversary, the devil. Yes, He allowed it. However, that does NOT mean He plans for me to live in defeat and discouragement. Help is on the way. God's plans, which are for good, will unfold. He hears and answers prayer. He works miracles. ("For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." 2 Chron. 16:9, King James Version of The Holy Bible.)
Neither me nor my loved ones were created and placed on this earth to endure one bone-crushing defeat after the other. We were instead created to fulfill our specific destinies, to enjoy our callings, to be fruitful and to enjoy life in the loving care of our Heavenly Father. If that offends someone's religious sensibilities....I just DO NOT CARE.
Don't care. Sorry. I have lived under the banner of condemning voices from hell telling me either that I deserved what I am enduring, brought it on through my actions or inaction, or that there will be no end to it. Those are lying spirits.
Today I ask God for direction for the next 24 hours. I ask Him for the strength to do whatever He tells me to do. Sometimes that's as far out as He will let us see. Sometimes He asks us to hold His hand in the dark and let him lead one step at a time. Other times there will be just enough light to put one foot in front of the other, the path slow-going and painstaking. Always He expects us to look to Him for direction and trust Him for strength. It's when we adjust our sails in our own direction or trust our own resources that we will fail utterly. In Christ there is only victory.
Sometimes I am angry with Him for letting me go through such pain. My rational mind knows how stupid that is, and how sinful. I repent. I try to listen for His voice. Then I clench my fists in frustration and the cycle begins again. Here's the thing: I know in my heart of hearts that His plan for me and my loved ones is FOR OUR GOOD. We were not created for continual defeat.
Yesterday I prayed very specifically that I would tune out religious spirits that mockingly tell me that suffering and defeat are my lot in life. No, Jesus Christ's death on the cross was my path to worthiness in the presence of God. Yes, I will grow from suffering. No, God does not bring it. It is the by-product of being in a fallen world, and is also the work of my adversary, the devil. Yes, He allowed it. However, that does NOT mean He plans for me to live in defeat and discouragement. Help is on the way. God's plans, which are for good, will unfold. He hears and answers prayer. He works miracles. ("For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." 2 Chron. 16:9, King James Version of The Holy Bible.)
Neither me nor my loved ones were created and placed on this earth to endure one bone-crushing defeat after the other. We were instead created to fulfill our specific destinies, to enjoy our callings, to be fruitful and to enjoy life in the loving care of our Heavenly Father. If that offends someone's religious sensibilities....I just DO NOT CARE.
Don't care. Sorry. I have lived under the banner of condemning voices from hell telling me either that I deserved what I am enduring, brought it on through my actions or inaction, or that there will be no end to it. Those are lying spirits.
Today I ask God for direction for the next 24 hours. I ask Him for the strength to do whatever He tells me to do. Sometimes that's as far out as He will let us see. Sometimes He asks us to hold His hand in the dark and let him lead one step at a time. Other times there will be just enough light to put one foot in front of the other, the path slow-going and painstaking. Always He expects us to look to Him for direction and trust Him for strength. It's when we adjust our sails in our own direction or trust our own resources that we will fail utterly. In Christ there is only victory.
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