Reflecting

 Looking back over this week I feel nothing but blessed. Even though it has been a hard pain week. The blessings have just overflowed.

Would I like to live my life pain free? Yes. Would I like to put in all this effort and see weight loss? Yes. 

But you know what - God has bigger plans! 

Gotquestions.org says, "Blessed speaks of our inner state of well-being, the prosperity of our souls in Christ. Blessedness comes from unhindered fellowship with God the Father through our Lord Jesus. To be blessed is to experience the full impact of God’s presence in our lives now and for all eternity."

The website goes on to say, "The Bible measures blessedness differently from how people of the world measure it: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). To those who rest in God, He grants an inner state of joy that is unaffected by external trials."

Oh my friend, I pray today you feel His blessings on you!

Once

 Once there was a girl who was alone in the world.

She cried out to God to teach her how to trust Him.

He answered!

For 46 years God took her in and out of many trials. Always leading and providing a way. Some roads were rocky and dangerous, while others were smoother sailing. 

The girl learned to trust. She believed when others didn't. She just learned to believe he could and would walk with her.

Then one day the Lord said, "Do you trust me?" 

The girl's answered, "Yes."

The girl had a task before her that seemed impossible. Her body was wracked with pain, she was old. So, but she opened her Bible and God spoke to her.

He reminded her out of 1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

Out of Isaiah 55:8-9, "“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than yours."

Out of Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

In 2 Timothy 4:17, "But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength."

From Psalms 3:3, But you, O Lord, are a shield to me, my glory, and the lifter of my head."

Every day He gave a clear sign. So, on the day of the task the girl got up and once again prayed for help. And once again He answered in scripture, "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34:4)

Once there was a girl and that girl was me!

Isaiah 12:2: 

Surely God is my salvation;

    I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense[a];
    he has become my salvation.”

 Literally two weeks ago, I went to our church's women's retreat. I remember leaving after the first session and foolishly saying to God, "I'm not sure this is useful my life's been pretty calm lately."

I remember when I said it I immediately said, "Please don't send any trials my way."

Oh how God must have laughed.

Now friend hear me good, me changing grade levels is insignificant in the scope of life. Many people are facing far greater hurdles - sick spouses and sick children. So for me to whine about this just feels wrong. 

But back to my conference, that first night Christina Fox mentioned that when we are surprised by "unwanted visitors" they take us hostage. Friend, since March 28th I've been a picture of a hostage. 

So what changed? I cried out to God. During our retreat Fox shared how it is not wrong for us to "express our feelings to God." To be honest with Him. To set my mind on who He is and to recount His faithfulness in the past. 

While this is not a problem for me many may struggle. This is why I try to be transparent in my writing, most of us really are a hot mess! However, if you need deeper understanding on how to face the "unwanted visitors" in life, then I strongly recommend Fox's book A Heart Set Free. It will definitely help you structure your prayer life similar to the Psalms.