Life in Christ is vividly REAL. It isn’t plastic, it isn’t stained-glass, it isn’t excessively sweet or sentimental, it isn’t fantasyland.

In all my years of walking with the LORD, I have yet to meet one Christian who has lived a “loss free or failure free” life.

On the other hand, I HAVE met a many amazing believers who have dealt with affliction, loss, disappointment, setbacks, failures and incredible pain through the years.

I have seen many of those same men, women, and adolescents cling to their joy, radiate hope, and maintain a conquering spirit . . . even through heartache . . . even through tears . . . …even at death’s door.

If you’re waiting for a seamless, smooooooth, blemish-free week, friends, you’re going to wait in vain.

There is no such thing. Know this though, Your “crisis” is important to God – Whatever your struggle or setback, it’s intended (by God) to empower and purify you.

Never forget that. 💗

Progress without pain is usually not possible. We live in a “skin-deep world” – all the things the world values are cosmetic.

The constant FALSE emphasis on external appearance.

Character and substance are shaped in the fires and sorrow of adversity. Pain makes us sensitive to God – without pain we simply end up spinning our spiritual wheels, and we go nowhere.

David Jeremiah wrote, “Show me someone who lives a carefree life with no problems or trials or dark nights of the soul, and I will show you a shallow person.”

Unless we learn how to apply lessons from seasons of failure and loss, we’ll keep repeating those failures — digging ourselves into an ever deeper hole — rather than moving on as we grow up.

You can struggle against the upsetting moment, shake your fist at the heavens, and find yourself exhausted, defeated and in despair… or you can accept the moment and let it train and strengthen you in your inner man.

God allows no pain without purpose. His power will rest upon you (and I) only when we have abandoned the idea that we are big enough to go it alone. Every plant must weather a storm every now and then!

Listen to the words of Charles Spurgeon –

“Those who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but those who “do business in great waters,” these see His wonders in the deep. Among the huge Atlantic waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man.”

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35.

Let’s pray together for Strength to stand firm in faith as we go through tough challenges and life’s adjustments.

LORD, I’m weary.

My energy is sagging, and my motivation is lagging. And I am so in need of you.

I need your strength and your fresh touch to get back on track again.

Your Word says the joy of the LORD is my strength. If that’s true, then I need your joy to replace all the bone-tired parts of my mind, body, and soul.

The pressures of life sometimes push me into a corner, rendering me helpless to move forward.

A hundred voices call my name, and I feel paralyzed at times to answer, not knowing where to turn. LORD, help me not to quit, to keep running the race faithfully, and to find strength in that safe, secret place of yours, under the shadow of the Almighty.

I need your strength to say no when I’m tempted to surrender to harmful things, or when selfishness clings to my clothes and won’t let go.

I need your strength to say yes, when cowardice and fear nudge me to deny the convictions of my heart.

I need your strength to reach out in love to those both close to me and all around me.

When don’t I need your strength, God?

You are my rock, and I run to you today, believing that you will lift up my heavy arms, that you will fuel me for the tasks you’ve given me, and that your joy will completely consume the weakness of my life and make me strong again.

I don’t want to stay grounded, crippled by limitations and failed attempts. I’m tired of feeble efforts.

LORD, I want to mount up with wings like an eagle and not just fly. I want to soar.

 

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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