Blessed Suffering

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy," (1 Peter 4:12-13 NKJV).

At first glance, the title of this post seems wrong. Our humanity looks at the words blessed and suffering and does not see them working together. However, they complement one another quite well in the heavenly realm.

Everyone wants to be blessed We all long to see the pain stop, the cancer or disease to be healed, the relationship to be restored, the wayward child to return home, the money we need to appear, along with many other things, some of which you may be thinking of right now. I don't think we go out looking to embrace suffering, rather we seem to recoil and run from it. However, everyone has or will experience it.

Suffering can be blessed when we choose to embrace it when we experience it. Jesus tells us, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world," (John 16:33b NKJV emphasis mine). It is clear from this passage of Scripture that we will experience suffering but it comes with a promise to remember. Jesus has overcome the world. This is what we hold on to. This is where we can shine for Jesus.

We may be walking through some difficult valleys right now but we can choose how we walk. We can choose to hang our heads, drag our feet, and go through the struggle kicking and screaming, or we can embrace where we are and hold our heads high - looking away to Jesus - , walk on with steadfast assurance, and even skip and sing, praising the Lord for "counting us worthy to suffer for Him."

This may seem impossible but it isn't. I encourage you to memorize this Scripture - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). In Christ we are all overcomers. I also encourage you to listen to Mandisa's song "Overcomer." You can find it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw

There is such hope in this song. The truth is that whether we are healed on this earth or healed in heaven is up to the Lord and He knows what is best for each of us. He loves us beyond anything we can imagine. It is through His will that we are here. Nothing comes to us that He doesn't allow. So you can rest knowing that if you are walking through a valley right now He is either right beside you or carrying you. You are not alone. Choose today to embrace your suffering, giving the burden to the One who understands completely. He will love you and guide you through. One day, you will be able to look back and see God's fingerprints all over your situation.

Heavenly, gracious, and merciful Father,
Thank You for Your promise to never leave nor forsake us. Thank You that we never need to walk through a dark valley alone. Lord, I call on You in Jesus' name to touch each heart who reads this post and seeks You out. Fill them with your blessed assurance that You are with them. May You be their sufficiency and meet their needs, bringing them to a place of healing in Your perfect timing. Grant them Your peace Lord in Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessed Giving

"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35 NKJV

It is at this time of year that I begin to think about what Christmas really means. Every store I go in - whether to pick up laundry detergent, ink for the printer, or milk - is clothed in sparkles, decorations, garlands, gift ideas, and Santa. I often wonder, "How did we get here? How have we as the human race (and especially Christians) gotten so far from the truth of what Christmas is about?" These thoughts challenge me to think about Jesus and His purpose and mission while He walked the dirt pathways of this earth and the mission He left all His followers with.

Jesus did not take, He gave. He was not a recipient, but a server. He left His home in heaven and became one of us that He might know the trials and temptations we all face. He ran with sinners and lowly people whom the religious people of the day didn't have time for. He didn't even have a place to lay His own head.

Christmas means different things to different people. What does it mean to you? The disaster in the Philippines makes me wonder if it is truly in our best interests to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on ourselves. What if we each took even a percentage of that money and gave it to them? Would it make a difference? What if we all did it in the name of Jesus, a gift for Him this Christmas? What if we opened our eyes to those around us and saw those in need around us and gave of ourselves this year to make a difference in someone else's life? Would that please Jesus?

Need some ideas - volunteer for a food bank, homeless shelter, or soup kitchen; give of your time and resources in your community to help the organizations that are there to fill the needs of those who are less fortunate (examples: Red Cross, Salvation Army, YMCA, Teen Challenge, pregnancy clinics, volunteer at the hospital or nursing home, rehab. centers, reach out to a family in need and provide Christmas for them...). There are many ways we can give of our time, money, and other resources.

I challenge you to begin praying about what you can give Jesus for Christmas this year. It is His birthday we are celebrating. Listen carefully for His still, small voice and give to the One who gave everything for you. May He bless you abundantly as you step out in faith and obedience.

Blessings,
Natalie

FREEDOM

"And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23-24 NKJV

Jesus' resurrection paved the way for us to be in relationship with the Father. We are no longer separated by the chasm of sin. Jesus paid the price: it was not free for Him. However, He made a way and it is free for us. He stepped in and filled the gap created by disobedience. What joy we can have, what fullness of life we can live!

Is your life full of joy? If not, why? We have the promise of His joy to fill us. Have you asked for it? As sons and daughters of the King of kings, we are heirs to all of His promises. In the above Scripture passage, we have a promise to receive what we ask for. The only condition is that we ask for God's will in our lives. He wants all that is best for us. Not just the good stuff, but the great stuff!! Isn't that exciting?

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and

I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me,

when you search for Me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

He knows what He has in store for each of His children. We only need to say "YES". Saying yes can be hard to do, but when you know the One who is leading, it is much easier to follow. If you aren't ready to say yes, take some time and read, study your Bible, and pray. Get to know the Lord on a personal level. Spend time talking to Him like you do your best friend. Be honest and take time to listen. He may speak through the Word of the Bible. He may speak through Christian friends. He may speak in very unexpected ways, but I desire for you to know that He does speak. Listen carefully my dear friends, Jesus is "standing at the door and knocking. If you hear His voice and open the door, He will come in and be with you." (Revelation 3:20 paraphrased)

Dear friend, Jesus awaits. Call on Him today.