I've been thinking heavy... - EncouragementMama.com
Dear Sisters in Christ,
A few months ago, I sat with a small circle of ladies and asked them to pray for me should I ever find myself being persecuted for my faith.
The strange thing was, I wasn’t planning on going on any mission trips or risking my life in any way. I simply had the unshakable sense that trials were coming.
Ever feel that way?
Maybe, you are in a severe trial right now. And you’re in need of faithful prayers and strong encouragement.
If so, I want you to know something.
You are not alone.
I want you to know right now, that I am here for you.
I’m not just a Colorado girl on the other side of your screen. I’m an honest-to-goodness sister in Christ. I am here to listen, respond, pray, and encourage. And one of the best ways I know to encourage you is with the Word of God.
We have the greatest words of comfort this side of heaven.
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
Sisters, sometimes we are hard-pressed on every side.
Our finances are in ruins.
Our marriages are struggling.
Our health is compromised.
Our children are battling their own issues.
Our friendships are scarce.
Our faith feels awfully weak.
Yet…
We are not crushed under the financial strain. We are not crushed by our spouse’s lack. We are not crushed under our physical ailments. We are not crushed by our children’s decisions. We are not crushed by loneliness. We are not crushed in our weakness of faith!
Other times, we are confused. We may ask the questions…
Why did that happen?
Why didn’t God prevent that?
Why did God allow that?
Am I being punished?
What could I have done differently?
Yet…
We are perplexed but not in despair. Despair equates to hopelessness. And with Jesus we are never without hope.
Sometimes, we feel rejected, outcast, and even persecuted.
We find ourselves at odds with others.
We don’t fit in.
We don’t “click” with our coworkers, church members, neighbors, or relatives.
We feel misunderstood.
Yet…
We are not rejected by God, but restored! We are not cast away, but drawn to repentance. We are not persecuted by God but nurtured and strengthened. We don’t have to “fit in,” but rather “step in” to our relationship with Christ.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
From God’s Word, (not man’s opinion), we know there are certain things we must do in order to navigate through our trials. Look at the comparisons below:
Man says we must push harder, strive harder, put self first, fuss about it and fight about it.
God says to humble ourselves under His mighty hand so He can caringly remove our anxieties and lift us up in His time and strength.
Man says to numb ourselves with food, alcohol, drugs, social media, and other things.
God says to be sober-minded and watchful, resisting the enemy who is always on the lookout for someone to devour.
Man says to resist all suffering and make ourselves as comfortable as possible.
God says we will suffer. But by His grace, through faith in His Son, we will be restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established.
What heavy trial are you going through?
What kind of support do you need?
Maybe, you need financial support. Start with prayer, and then check out these 10 Christian organizations for guidance.
If you’re needing help in your marriage, consider this marriage intensive.
If you are facing a medical health crisis, a relationship crisis, or a faith crisis, here is how to ask for prayer.
Be encouraged in the worst of trials!
Whether it’s being persecuted for our faith, or facing real-life issues, we can cling to the promises of God. Don’t allow despair to set in, but take action by humbly resting in the palm of God’s hand.
He’s got you.
He’s got this.
P.S. If any lady in your life is going through a trial, please invite her to join our community of sisters. She will begin receiving Biblical encouragement right in her inbox!
