They were familiar voices, “Who do you think you are? You’re not good enough. You’re no one.” “You are too shy, and have no real talents or giftings.” “You will be an embarrassment to God and your family when you mess up.” “You’ll never have real friends once they see your quirks.” “So many others do it better than you.” "No one likes you." "Life is too hard, just quit, it's easier to stop living." "No one will miss you." Sound familiar? Oh the lies!!
But then just as any court case, my Defender stands and rebukes the accuser, “You are My child and that qualifies you enough.Your relationship with Me is witness to My unending grace and unconditional love. I have allowed you to suffer for a while so you would seek Me, and find Me, that you could be made stronger, proving Myself faithful to you and to you strength you didn't know you had.You do not need to know everything about everything. In your pain, you find My strength. I have tomorrow already planned. Share your heart, love as I have loved you and trust Me as I equip you with all you need and who you need. I know the desires of your heart and I am with you. You are My child and I love you just as you are. I will always provide for you. You are Mine and My Grace is enough for every today and each tomorrow. I am with you always and have been where you are going.You are never alone."
There was a time I didn't hear those redeeming and life-giving words. Over the past decade, I have learned to heed the voice of God, and it's only come through knowing Him better, being in His Word and fellowshipping with Him. Sheep know their Shepherd's voice.
But then just as any court case, my Defender stands and rebukes the accuser, “You are My child and that qualifies you enough.Your relationship with Me is witness to My unending grace and unconditional love. I have allowed you to suffer for a while so you would seek Me, and find Me, that you could be made stronger, proving Myself faithful to you and to you strength you didn't know you had.You do not need to know everything about everything. In your pain, you find My strength. I have tomorrow already planned. Share your heart, love as I have loved you and trust Me as I equip you with all you need and who you need. I know the desires of your heart and I am with you. You are My child and I love you just as you are. I will always provide for you. You are Mine and My Grace is enough for every today and each tomorrow. I am with you always and have been where you are going.You are never alone."
There was a time I didn't hear those redeeming and life-giving words. Over the past decade, I have learned to heed the voice of God, and it's only come through knowing Him better, being in His Word and fellowshipping with Him. Sheep know their Shepherd's voice.
God is for us even when it feels like the world is against us. Scriptures tell us the evil one seeks to kill and destroy us. Sadly, we often don’t make it hard for him. Satan is clever in twisting truths, causing chaos, creating hectic schedules and heavy hearts. There is nothing he won't do to distract us from faith, hope and love. When we begin to feel the darkness around us, this is a call to war. Ephesians 6 teaches us how to be prepared for battle when our thoughts turn to despair. We are most vulnerable to attacks when we take our focus off of Christ and filter everything through our own likes and abilities.
It's easy to get caught up in "self." What we don't have or can't have physically, emotionally or spiritually. Negative thoughts and lack of contentment will suffocate our souls. Quickly, we fall into despair and are robbed of peace, joy and hope. Real weakness feels overwhelming to a heart depleted. I remember this in my own life, December 2008. Brought to the end of myself, pride nearly killing me, a heart for Jesus but left unguarded and a mind easily distracted, there laid the crossroads of life and death.
How crucial it is then to be connected well into a Body of Believers where you can confide and receive encouragement and renewal of hope and focus. The Lord wisely tells us to not forsake the gathering together foreknowing we would have troubles and in order to accomplish the greater purposes for each of us in this life, we would need each other. Life is more meaningful when we are invested in each other and focused on pleasing the Lord above all else, not settling for anything less than what is God's best. Pride is the carrier for perfectionism, fear, insecurity, confusion, and worthlessness which can be our means of death. But if we humble ourselves and seek help, we will be lifted in spirit and interceded for, renewing our hope...if we allow it. Not everyone in my church knew the season of trial, but a few did, because I was desperate enough to expose myself to them, trusting the Lord would take care of me through them. Women who were devoted to Him and dearest to my heart. They advocated for me and fought hard in the war on my behalf. They lifted my weary arms so my hands could still praise Him. Quitting does seem easier when you are desperate for a fresh breath and a new beginning, but it is here at the end of self, mercy has it's full effect as it breaths life into us every new morning when we surrender ourselves to rest in His care. At these crossroads, we have a choice towards life or death. Who's voice will we listen to, and act upon? Who do we trust to care for us? Who has our best interest in mind? Who has sacrificed for us on our behalf? Where does our hope come from?
Depleted and weary souls don't have an age or skin color. The enemy is not picky. Who are the silent few around you suffering in silence thinking quitting life is an easier option? Is it you? Friend, we cannot allow emotions to dictate our purpose or plans. We must live life in the truth of who God says we are and for the purposes He has prepared us for. We were fearfully and wonderfully made, known and loved before our hearts had a beat. Our eyes must be set on the Hope of Christ Jesus, trusting even though He guarantees in this life we will have troubles, yet in Him, we are overcomers. We can boast in our weakness because in Him we are made strong. We must believe whole-heartedly and with confidence believe we have been created for a purpose beyond what our eyes can see. Today we have faith, hope and love because Love has won the war over the sting of death.
When we choose to believe instead of doubt, we prove God trustworthy as we walk through trials with joy as our strength, hoping for glory revealed. We are not victims. We are more than conquerers in Jesus. We are made powerful in Him. Like Paul, we can boast in our weaknesses, for His grace is sufficient for us despite the evidence of thorns embedded within our flesh. Like Job, we can loose much and be surrounded by naysayers, questioning our existence and yet still believe that Christ is our only Hope and King. Like Noah, there will be the few that stick close by you to accomplish what God has planned while others reject and scoff at you.
It's easy to get caught up in "self." What we don't have or can't have physically, emotionally or spiritually. Negative thoughts and lack of contentment will suffocate our souls. Quickly, we fall into despair and are robbed of peace, joy and hope. Real weakness feels overwhelming to a heart depleted. I remember this in my own life, December 2008. Brought to the end of myself, pride nearly killing me, a heart for Jesus but left unguarded and a mind easily distracted, there laid the crossroads of life and death.
How crucial it is then to be connected well into a Body of Believers where you can confide and receive encouragement and renewal of hope and focus. The Lord wisely tells us to not forsake the gathering together foreknowing we would have troubles and in order to accomplish the greater purposes for each of us in this life, we would need each other. Life is more meaningful when we are invested in each other and focused on pleasing the Lord above all else, not settling for anything less than what is God's best. Pride is the carrier for perfectionism, fear, insecurity, confusion, and worthlessness which can be our means of death. But if we humble ourselves and seek help, we will be lifted in spirit and interceded for, renewing our hope...if we allow it. Not everyone in my church knew the season of trial, but a few did, because I was desperate enough to expose myself to them, trusting the Lord would take care of me through them. Women who were devoted to Him and dearest to my heart. They advocated for me and fought hard in the war on my behalf. They lifted my weary arms so my hands could still praise Him. Quitting does seem easier when you are desperate for a fresh breath and a new beginning, but it is here at the end of self, mercy has it's full effect as it breaths life into us every new morning when we surrender ourselves to rest in His care. At these crossroads, we have a choice towards life or death. Who's voice will we listen to, and act upon? Who do we trust to care for us? Who has our best interest in mind? Who has sacrificed for us on our behalf? Where does our hope come from?
Depleted and weary souls don't have an age or skin color. The enemy is not picky. Who are the silent few around you suffering in silence thinking quitting life is an easier option? Is it you? Friend, we cannot allow emotions to dictate our purpose or plans. We must live life in the truth of who God says we are and for the purposes He has prepared us for. We were fearfully and wonderfully made, known and loved before our hearts had a beat. Our eyes must be set on the Hope of Christ Jesus, trusting even though He guarantees in this life we will have troubles, yet in Him, we are overcomers. We can boast in our weakness because in Him we are made strong. We must believe whole-heartedly and with confidence believe we have been created for a purpose beyond what our eyes can see. Today we have faith, hope and love because Love has won the war over the sting of death.
When we choose to believe instead of doubt, we prove God trustworthy as we walk through trials with joy as our strength, hoping for glory revealed. We are not victims. We are more than conquerers in Jesus. We are made powerful in Him. Like Paul, we can boast in our weaknesses, for His grace is sufficient for us despite the evidence of thorns embedded within our flesh. Like Job, we can loose much and be surrounded by naysayers, questioning our existence and yet still believe that Christ is our only Hope and King. Like Noah, there will be the few that stick close by you to accomplish what God has planned while others reject and scoff at you.
Friend, pay attention to the smallest of whispers and discern if they are the voice of a Scoundrel or a Savior. Then, allow Truth to wash over you and strengthen you for today.
Your life is precious even if you don't feel it. You have a purpose even when you don't see it. You matter to people you think don't approve of you. Your identity doesn't lie in the hands of others, or your own self...you were created by God, for good. Seek those in your life you trust will fight for you. Seek the local church, or a professional if you find darkness swallowing you whole. Don't let pride be the death of you.
Life is hard. Oh, how we need our Savior. You may be reading this and not have accepted Christ as your Savior. While I can't make that choice for you, sure wish I could. I would beg of you to listen because He is calling out for you to hear Him, to accept the Love Gift He has for you. You are not nothing. You are special! You are cared for! You are necessary to Him! No one can offer the peace and joy of Jesus, except Jesus. He can't lead you if you haven't chosen to follow Him first. Our hope is in Him. Our peace, is Him. Our comfort and strength is in Him.
Your life is precious even if you don't feel it. You have a purpose even when you don't see it. You matter to people you think don't approve of you. Your identity doesn't lie in the hands of others, or your own self...you were created by God, for good. Seek those in your life you trust will fight for you. Seek the local church, or a professional if you find darkness swallowing you whole. Don't let pride be the death of you.
Life is hard. Oh, how we need our Savior. You may be reading this and not have accepted Christ as your Savior. While I can't make that choice for you, sure wish I could. I would beg of you to listen because He is calling out for you to hear Him, to accept the Love Gift He has for you. You are not nothing. You are special! You are cared for! You are necessary to Him! No one can offer the peace and joy of Jesus, except Jesus. He can't lead you if you haven't chosen to follow Him first. Our hope is in Him. Our peace, is Him. Our comfort and strength is in Him.
If you are a Believer, Praise the Name of Jesus out loud, for He is able to do exceedingly more than we can ever think or imagine and Satan needs to be reminded of this truth and so do those around you! His grace has enough space for you! His message is in you and ready to be shared and there is a world needing to know this Hope. We have been commanded to share the Good News with future generations, to go and make disciples. Hear His call, and go! You’ve got this 'cuz He’s got you!
Life is hard but God is good. Your Defender is standing guard over you, trust Him and don't give up. He will be your strength. When darkness sets in, use your Light, tighten your armor ready to fight, standing guard over the truth. The enemy will exhaust you so you must keep strong in The Word, day and night. Keep feasting on the Scriptures. There is a season for everything under the sun, so endure with grace and faith. You are not alone in this.
Let us not forsake the gathering together and let us love God and love others well. Pray! Lift your requests to Him and pray for one another, stirring one another up! Love is the path that leads us to Life. Let Love reign. His heart is for you.
Life is hard but God is good. Your Defender is standing guard over you, trust Him and don't give up. He will be your strength. When darkness sets in, use your Light, tighten your armor ready to fight, standing guard over the truth. The enemy will exhaust you so you must keep strong in The Word, day and night. Keep feasting on the Scriptures. There is a season for everything under the sun, so endure with grace and faith. You are not alone in this.
Let us not forsake the gathering together and let us love God and love others well. Pray! Lift your requests to Him and pray for one another, stirring one another up! Love is the path that leads us to Life. Let Love reign. His heart is for you.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13
If you or a loved one are contemplating suicide or are feeling overwhelmed by despair, please reach out to someone, anyone. Here is a hotline you can call of people who know what you are feeling and understand: 1-800-273-8255.
You are not alone!!! YOU ARE LOVED!!!! Be strong and courageous!!! God is for you when all others are against you. At the crossroads, CHOOSE LIFE!!!!
