Romans 12:12

The past 356 days bring Romans 12:12 to life in such vivid color.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 (NIV)

I always liked this verse but now I know this verse. Pain/affliction is the never the gift we would choose, we don't even see it as a gift or blessing. However, God uses it as His tool to bring about His desire. For everything the Lord allows in our lives, there is a purpose.

God allows:

Tests become our TESTIMONY.
Adversity becomes our ADVANTAGE.
A season of Less becomes our LESSON.
Tragedy becomes our TRIUMPH.
Mess becomes our ANOINTED MESSAGE.

All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them. ~Oswald Chambers

Pressing through the trial and praising Him in the storm. The battle belongs to Him and through His son Jesus we are victorious...

I rest confident in the One who gave the promise as I go through the process because I am learning that in the middle of the mess we find our miracle...(to be continued).

Get Back Up!

Today, I took Skylar to the park. She loves the swings and slide but today she wanted to try the monkey bars. I was a bit concerned but let her try to see what she would do. At first, she just hung there and then let go, she fell on her knees. The second time around she fell on her backside. She did this a few more times and grew discouraged that she couldn't make it all the way across. (I'm thinking that is a huge feat, she's only three, okay so she will be 4 in a week) But she fell really hard and then some kids began laughing at her. I could feel myself get mad because I understood her embarrassment. I told her not to worry about how many times she fell but to always dust herself off and get back up. I saw the look in her eye when those words registered with her heart. She wiped herself off and tried it again.

As I sat watching, I felt so proud. It warmed my heart, I bet our heavenly Father thinks the same. We may fail and fall but as long as we remember to get back up and continue to press forward not taking our eyes off the prize (getting to the other end of the monkey bars) success is inevitable. God is for us and He promises to never forsake us. As I stood along side cheering her on, I noticed her confidence soared. She didn't make it all the way across today but she got better at learning to hold her grip.

I was encouraged by my daughter's determination today. It made me think about all the things I had given up on, regardless of the reason, I'm dusting myself off and getting back up...

for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again...Proverbs 24:16

Broken/wounded

Ever heard the song titled Hungry by Joy Williams. It rose up into my spirit as I sat in my office. I had such a trying day. I'm sure you've had one of those. When someone seeking the glory tries to run your name through the mud. I found myself there today. I work unto the Lord and give it my best. Not one who has free time to go around to everyone's office to gossip. I know God is working behind the scenes, He refreshes my soul and I get glimpses of that wonderful plan of His. Sometimes it is hard to just push through. I need to remember when wounded to return to His gentle hands that heal me there under the scars. It is there where God draws us closer that we are reminded of His captivating love that restores/renews. In the shadow of His wings, He whispers words of love to us. Heals us and then He sets us free to soar again...

Hungry by Joy Williams
Hungry I come to You
For I know You satisfy
I am empty but I know
Your love does not run dry
So I wait for You
So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees
Offering all my needs
Jesus You're all
This heart is living for

Broken I run to You
For Your arms are open wide
I am weary but I know Your touch
Restores my life
So I wait for You
So I wait for You

It is there in our brokenness He meets us. Take time to be with the Lord as you piece it back together again. And while we do not look the same before we were broken, the finished product will display His light through the cracks. All for your glory Lord!