I can not deny the difficulties of following Jesus. If I did, I would not give a clear picture of what it means to endure.  Clearly, Christ, as well as Paul and the others knew the rugged terrain you and I must take while following Jesus. While I have ridden a bazillion rainbows with Jesus and seen indescribable adventures, my heart has seen as many crushings as well. Yes, I dearly love Him and believe His Word. I know my inheritance and the power available to me through Jesus. However, it doesn’t always take the sting away. Sometimes in a moment of pure giving, the enemy comes in like a flood and it will surely take your breath away.

While I have great joy in Jesus and His beautiful ways….some days well…I cry. I hope this sets some people free right here. If I’m required to always shove it down and pretend I don’t feel it, then I will certainly fail. I’ve noticed healing many times comes from mere admission of hurt. Some days the memories are too much for me and I find myself withdrawing. Yet, a gentle Savior beckons the door of my heart again and patiently lures me out to press on.

He has done some of the craziest things to get a grin out of me on a day of sorrow as I watch a world move so far away from Him. In a moment, the enemy captivates many with lies and tantalizing meanness.

But I choose to hope people can change, I choose to believe kindness is seen in my heart by His heart, and that He will be my defender at all times. I choose to keep giving and keep loving even if I need more of His help to do so. I choose to keep standing back up each time the enemy takes another punch to the softest recesses of my heart.  I choose to simply say…Lord, help me..

 

Lord, help me to stand

When the winds howl and rage

Help me release

Deep wounds and deep pains.

 

Help me to give

When giving is gone

Help me to love

Even when I am wronged.

 

Lord, help me have zeal

When strength is in wait

Help me to lean

On Your Word with great faith.

 

Help me to see

The good through the bad

Help me be faithful

Even when I am sad.

 

Help me dear Lord

To remember Thy grace

Help me to give it

In the loveliest of ways.

 

Help me resist

To withdraw in defeat

Lord, help me remember

My called destiny.

 

October 30, 2017

Let us choose friends to keep loving well. Let us resist all bitterness and resentment. Let us continue to give freely and remember that which Christ has given to us. Let us keep our speech laced with kindness and gentleness even when others may be spiteful or shunning us. Let us continue to let Him mold us and help us be quick to right our wrongs and smooth over all misunderstandings. But let us be known for loving despite any differences. Let us carry His fragrance far and wide….and should He choose to allow crushings from time to time, let it be counted as the process that keeps us small and humble before a mighty King… who once came also humbly and lowly.