When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? All day long they distort my words; All their thoughts are against me for evil. - Psalm 56:3-5
I'm going to be really honest and transparent here. If you would have asked me 3 months ago if I trusted God completely and in every area of my life I probably would have said YES! And I would have said that, not realizing what was to come. Or should I say, what God was about to show me. At the end of December right before the new year I entered a season that I would call a season of 'Affliction'.
He gives you grace to count the hardest spot the sweetest place. - J Danson Smith
And the Word of God has been my constant companion during this season. I found journaling has been really healing in the washing of the Word over my dry and cracked soul.
One of the most valuable lessons I am learning in this season is about trusting God completely in EVERY area of my life. In my personal and ministry relationships. Listening to that still small voice again and even listening when I don't hear it. It never ceases to amaze me how God's love pours out on the broken-hearted. And how He brings you back to the road when you have gone into the ditch! Though I will have to say I wasn't in a ditch. I'll be honest I was in one of the deepest, darkest pits I have ever been in! I'm beginning to see the light. And in God's great love I find myself dreaming again! I haven't done that in a very long time! Which is my own fault.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. - Romans 12:15
I have to say...I have the most amazing friends! This scripture has come alive in this season. I truly do have friends that will rejoice and weep with me...sometimes all at the same time! LOL (yes it is possible)
If you'll give your heart to God, He'll bring you a measure of understanding where puzzle pieces start coming together. God has a purpose in all that you have gone through. - Beth Moore
Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. - C.H. Spurgeon
All I can say is in this season I have learned to lean on my friends and family. They have become my Aaron's and my Hur's. I used to go through hard seasons alone not because I thought I could handle it, but because I didn't want to bother anyone. A friend of mine said this: Trudge through it alone = depression, hypertension, stress and lack of joy; Sharing = discovering you're not the only one whose going/gone thru the situation. You get words of wisdom & encouragement from those who've been there done that. So let me encourage you, if you are going through a hard season, lean on your friends and family and let them help you. There will be seasons where you will need to do that and that's why God has placed certain people in your life during that time. They always encourage and pray. They never discourage. Mine, like I said, are AMAZING!
And make sure you stand on and claim the Word! It's life giving as only God can give you. No one else can! He is your security and your safety! It's not meant to be found anywhere else.
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your justice as the noonday. - Psalm 37:3-6
Just remember....It's only a season, not a lifetime; though in the season, will be the outcome of your life! And it's going to be amazing! It may be hellish going through it! I know it will be totally worth it! All I know is I'm grabbing hold of the LORD and not letting him go until he changes my name! I refuse to come out of this season the same way I came in! I will be changed for the glory of the LORD! And what a testimony that will be! It's all about falling in love with Him all over again! Trust Him, he will never lead you astray! You may not understand what is happening now, but you will when you come out! Remain on your knees and ask for His grace!
I'm with you all in this!
From my heart to yours,
Sandy
