I often wonder if we find our purpose in the tests of life. It seems to me that on every side of a Christian's life; there is light and darkness. The devil tries to steal your joy and hope. On the other side, Christ is our light, when we conquer our circumstances, He is glorified and we find hope, peace and joy.
Have you ever thought about what you learned during a challenging situation in your life? Looking back was it worth it? I know when you're in the midst of it; you're hoping it ends. But really, putting your mind to it, didn't you learn something that defined you?
I have had moments of great darkness in my life. What do women do when they aren't saved? Where do they go in the midst of the world's trials? Every hour someone is facing the possible loss of their lives, their children's lives, financial devastation, a loss of their home, or divorce. These are not random issues. They are issues we are all facing and it's our job to face them together. Life does not hold the key to our happiness. That is a myth. The key to our happiness is a closeness to Jesus Christ that can't be explained. In that closeness, there is light. And only then will we feel the resounding love of our Father. There will always be tests; it's what we do with them that matters.
I have several friends who are facing massive challenges in their lives. One is losing all her hair, with no cure in sight. The other has lost her job and is a single woman. The last is a woman who has 5 kids and has just been diagnosed with uterine cancer. I am one person and I know of three very hurting souls. I love these women with all my heart and I will not give up on them. We are called to love the lost, the widowed, the sick. Stand up with me today and ask our Lord to heal the broken and move mountains for them. This is not just their fight; it's all of ours. We are sisters in an army for the Lord and we must battle along with them. Don't forget the poor, homeless or destitute. Christ called His disciples to go out and heal the sick and take care of the poor. We are now His disciples. Spread the only words that matter, Christ died for you so that you can have everlasting life! Don't be afraid, we are needed and there is a purpose far beyond our understanding. I want to be part of that purpose, don't you?
Proverbs 29:25 NLT:
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.
Philippians 4:4-9 NLT:
Always be full of joy in the LORD. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me--everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
The highlight in this passage is mine. Why? Because I want us to fix our thoughts on Jesus Christ. He is the maker and breaker of the world. He holds the keys to light and darkness. He is able to heal the sick, give hope to the hopeless and provide shelter to the shelterless. We can do nothing without Him. If your thoughts are going in every direction but on Him, change them to Him. I have no idea how long my friends will struggle. Their situations could be corrected tomorrow or last for months. What I am asking from all of us, is to not give up. Praise the Lord in everything and lean on Him. We must unite for our sisters and ask God to be in the middle of their situations. We don't have to be alone but we do need to straighten our minds. They are very powerful. Don't let negativity rob you of your joy! Focus on Jesus today. And if you have friends like mine, be there for them. Encourage them and try to set their minds back on Jesus. Lift them up in prayer and let them know that you are thinking about them. They need us and someday we will need them!
My prayer today:
Oh LORD how great you are! Our minds are so powerful and often when we struggle they go down a path of destruction. Lord, I know that the challenges we face are only for a season but during that season I pray that we would fix our thoughts on You. I pray that we would rejoice in our inequities and that we would look toward you at every corner. I pray for the lost that don't know you and ask that they would come to you, so that they can experience the resounding love we have. I pray for the sick that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and heal them. I pray for the homeless that You would provide shelter. I pray for the broken hearted that they would find safety in You. There are no words to describe our love for You. Please Lord, give us the power to encourage and to pray for women! We want to be with you and with them during their darkest hour. Give us a heart for the lost and lift us up as we praise Your name. Holy Holy is the Lamb! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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