“Why do bad people seem to be having the best life here?”
“It’s hard to explain with my limited knowledge. But God wants us to know that bad things or trials happen to either good or bad people. Just because you’re going through a tough time doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. We’re only here temporarily.”
“We just have to trust in God because He is the One Who knows everything…”
And through the moment of silence between us, we shared tears. We shared each other’s pain. We shared each other’s grief.
Yesterday, my tears flowed, too. Quietly. In front of someone who was willing to help me with my battle. It wouldn’t be an easy one. It just started but it would still be a long way to go. There would be lots of changes. But I would remain trusting on God’s Word, His faithful promises of being there for those who love Him. Knowing that He is the only One Who doesn’t change.
We wear His Armor the moment we make that important decision to be on Christ’s side.
The sturdy belt of truth.
The body armor of God’s righteousness.
The shoes with peace that comes from the Good News.
Faith as our shield.
The helmet of salvation.
The sWORD of the Spirit.
It is real that we have a vicious enemy. And Paul did not make it an option to turn back when we are facing a battle. For going through trials is a must in our Christian journeys. It is essential for our spiritual growth.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~ James 1:2-4 (NIV)
And I would like to keep that in mind as I face a battle at this time. I know it will be uncomfortable at times. Maybe numerous times. But I trust in His promises, His Word, that I know in my heart will give me the spiritual victory. I know I have His victory no matter what comes my way. I may not know what to do at times. I may not see where it’s leading. But He does. His Word is truly a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).
I got some hope from that person. But nothing will compare to the hope I have been given by Jesus Christ. I am taking up this battle so I can hold fast to the future and hope He promised to those who believe.
“We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.” ~ Psalm 124:7,8 (LAB)
“On the very day I call to you for help, my enemies will retreat. This I know: God is on my side. O God, I praise your word. Yes, Lord, I praise your word. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” ~ Psalm 56:9-11 (LAB)
I read this and at the base is proclaims:
ReplyDelete"0 Came Out Of The Darkness".
By way of this comment, let us correct that fallacy.
I have pondered this dilemma you face.
Typical answers come to me:
"Stand Firm!"
"He will wipe away all your tears".
The gap is too wide for simple phrases to seamlessly restore the ragged edges of betrayal.
Then, I read this evening. Is this not the same story I read at waaaaay "Off The Beaten Trek", a misnomer, for she is not beaten at all?
"Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
their evil imaginations have no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the
earth.
Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.
They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing
wealth.
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.
If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.
How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!
They are like a dream when one awakes;
when you arise, Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.
When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds."
~~~~Psalm 73
written long ago, by an inspiring God, for a woman named Rosel in modern times.
The Peace of the Lord be with you!
I will remember you in my prayers, for you have done so unto me.
God surely blesses us with companions we can share our tears with - because, no matter how much we don't want others to see them, sometimes they just need to come. I will be praying for you - for strength and peace as you face the storm, stand in the storm and exit the storm:) Last year, I stopped praying, "God help me" - because He knew - I'd already asked. I would just whisper, "Be with me. Don't leave me" - which I believe was a message inspired through Lidj! We are definitely God's companions, called to lift each other up:)
ReplyDeleteAmen! In everything we give thanks.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post my sister.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Regards.
xo
Beautiful Post. May God continue to bless you.
ReplyDeleteIn God's Hands,
Niecy.
There is a time to be silent, and a time to speak up.
ReplyDeleteGod will give you the wisdom on what words to say. May God pave the way for justice and vindication.
I can hardly wait to know the full story, what this is all about.
Do you know Rosel, when God gives the go signal, I believe your story will expose all the hiding places of the enemy. And when they no longer have a place to hide, then darkness has to flee.
I believe that if you have not done anything wrong, have not violated any rule, then there is nothing to hide.
May God give you the right counsel... and I don't know if you are going to take the case to court... if you are, may you have a very good lawyer, and may the judge who hears your case be fair and wise.
Meantime, when the time comes for the truth to be heard, may God give you courage and strength.
May you be strong and of good courage. ABide in his light, meditate on His word day and night, and you will have good success wherever you go.
Praying for you my dear kababayan...
Lidj
I just got home friends and your encouragement brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes, I know we all go through that process where we feel weary in this lifelong journey. But what a difference it makes when a brother or sister gives you that pat in the back, them sharing the load which makes it easier to carry, and best of all, to know that many of you are truly praying for me, I have no words but rather pray in return for the Lord to bless you all back. You are a great source of my strength, after the Lord! Praise God for everything He does in our lives. He is faithful and He continues to show me "faith markers" one of which was giving me all of you who are so precious to me.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is good Keystone, yes, I don't deserve His goodness yet He continues to empower me. If not for Him, I would not be able to move on. But I know that I am following the truth, the way and the life and I will never regret doing so.
Thank you sisters Mary Leigh, Regina and Niecy. You just rejuvenated me! Your lights here are truly appreciated and made me smile despite the darkness at my workplace.
"Vindication..." Sister Lidj, that was my prayer this morning as I was driving home from last night's work...Seeing some of the enemies who are wearing masks, thinking they can hurt me but I am hurting...not for me...but for them...Knowing they are willing to follow their evil desires. And I told Him, that I just know in my heart that vindication will come in His perfect time. I didn't need to defend...Because He knows our hearts...But even if I have to, I have the Best One on my side to defend me.
God bless you all and God willing He wants me to tell this story in His time, I am always a willing vessel for His glory! Thank you all from my heart. God bless and love to all of you.
your last line...says it all.....we can only see a from here to there...He sees the whole picture. I guess that's where trust comes in....knowing He's gonna turn everything to our highest good. Stay strong Rosel....and have a great weekend.
ReplyDelete