Who Ever Said that Faith is Easy??

Who ever said that faith is easy, or that being a Christian makes things easier was not preaching the gospel of Christ. As Christians we are tested and refined daily, and in our perseverance we are made more like Christ as we follow in his footsteps. Being a Christian means having amazing experiences followed by trials that test our very core. I mess up, I take my eyes and lower them to the ground, and then I feel defeated. It is only when I graze my eyes upon the heavens and once again drink in the cool, refreshing air, that I find peace in my heavenly Father. When the troubles and people of this world disappoint me, I have to resist curling up into a little ball of sorrows. This is so easy to do, as a woman of God I revert to that natal position almost as reflex. But God comes and finds me in my innermost parts and calls me to Himself. He tells me once again that I am His precious daughter, and that He made everything about me. 



"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
(Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

He has a perfect plan for my life if I will only try my best to follow one step behind His lead. No one, and no thing can deter me from the task He has given me. And when waves try to wash up over me, I have to grasp tightly to the rock that is my foundation. 


Several things have been washing and crashing over me this past week, and I need to see them for what they are. The evil one of this world would like nothing better than to discourage me and cast doubt into the plan that God has for me. Letter's that make me feel like a criminal, children that make me feel like a failure, and situations that make me feel tiny are no match for my God! 



Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the LORD is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.
For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
(Isaiah 30:18-21 ESV)


"This is the way, walk in it." Be patient and kind, for blessed are the poor in spirit. 


“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(Matthew 5:9-12 ESV)

We are blessed to call Him Father! And we will not be delivered unto our enemies, unless He has a plan to further the Kingdom of God.

Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
(Matthew 6:9-13 ESV)

May His name be made Holy upon the earth, so that people will respond to His calls.


But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)

God is my strong tower, He is my refuge and my strength. I call on no other name, and expect no man to be perfect.

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
(Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)

Do not let you spirit be crushed, I have to run to the Father with arms wide open.



The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe. A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination. Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:10-14 ESV)

In Him I find rest, comfort and peace like a river. And though I am refined as precious gold, I know that I will make it through to the "Good and faithful servant" if only I can hold fast to my Father. 

And I will put this third into the fire,
    and refine them as one refines silver,
    and test them as gold is tested.
They will call upon my name,
    and I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people’;
    and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
-Zechariah 13:9


The Lord is my God!

Amen---