Refuge for a Single Mom

Along the same lines as tests are trials. (A fine line indeed.) We learn and grow from our trials too. Strength, Patience and Faith all grow from the trials we face. (As long as we trust in the Lord and seek guidance from Him.) But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

What is the difference? Well, in my `humble` opinion, a test is something initiated more by God. Something that is intended as a lesson.

A trial, on the other hand, is initiated by the enemy; it`s a result of the world we live in, an attempt to break us down. It is more relentless and merciless. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

For born again Christians, this isn`t bad news. Consider it a `challenge`. A challenge to rise to victory and prove that you are a conqueror. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. I John 5:4

I mean, are you really going to let any device of the enemy have power over you? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35

Or are you going to have firm roots planted in the Word of God? Those on the rocky [soil are] those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no [firm] root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. Luke 8:13

Don`t get me wrong. All adversity, tests and trials are uncomfortable. The Lord does not promise us that there will not be discomfort. What he does promise is that the rewards will far outweigh the sacrifices. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have [its] perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which [the Lord] has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

WOW! `Perfect and Complete` and `Lacking in Nothing` – I`d say that`s a worthwhile result. What about `Crown of Life`? Yeah? Me too! I want nothing more than to spend eternity with my Heavenly Father!

The world we live is full of sin and trials, girls. Most of us, single, married, widowed - we`ve seen a lot. (Many of us more than we`d like too.) Some days it simply amazes me at the sin and filth that lies in wait to overtake me, my children, my family, friends, etc.

How awesome is it to know that there is a better place? We do have refuge in our Savior! We have hope and promise. We can dream and aspire to be great women that make a difference! In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, [being] more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:6-7

Ladies, no matter where you are in life, no matter your position. You are someone to God! With Him you can be a perfect woman, a fantastic Mom, clever businesswoman, invaluable employee, reliable daughter, thoughtful sister, loyal friend – the list is endless. And don`t for one minute think that what you do is lacking by any means. Being a Mom is a huge responsibility! Minister to your children! Be a wonderful example for them! Right now that is where God has you. I`m sure it`s for a reason!

All My Love

Labels: Adversity, Conqueror, Discomfort, Distress, Trials, Victory

Have you heard this phrase? (A little over-used in my opinion.) To an extent it`s true, nonetheless. It`s used mostly when someone dies or tragedy strikes. For our purposes today, we`ll consider any bad occurrence, thought or feeling a `bad thing`.

So, why DO bad things happen to good people?

If you truly are a good person, if you are following the path of the Lord, if you are growing in the Word you are glorifying God. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not [in] vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:57-58

This makes the enemy furious! That is the LAST thing he wants. He wants us to be miserable, hopeless and desperate. He wants a vulnerable, empty human being to manipulate and have control over! Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. II Corinthians 2:11

But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up, That I may repay them. By this I know that You are pleased with me, Because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You set me in Your presence forever. Psalm 41:10-12

Recently, I shared with you that we were looking for a house. Well, we have indeed found a house and although there is a lot to get in order, it appears that we will soon be moving! Yippee! Right? Yeah, I guess. I mean, I`m feeling a lot of anxiety and I`m very stressed out!

Because it`s a bad decision? No, I really don`t think so. There are several reasons we need to move and this house meets the majority of our needs. We will be using the proceeds from another real estate sale to buy the house outright and won`t even have a mortgage payment! It`s in the same town, so my children won`t have to change school districts. Commuting distances are the same. Very little change overall!

Why then? Well, personally, I believe it`s the enemy. Yeah, it could be a convenient excuse, but you see even when the Lord IS trying to make a point, He isn`t going to make us feel sadness, guilt, fear or anything that would bring us distress! For out of much tribulation and distress of heart I wrote to you, with many tears; not that ye may be grieved, but that ye may know the love which I have very abundantly towards you. 2 Corinthians 2:4

Girls, I have to tell you, I am touchy, short, nauseous, I`ve got a headache, etc. This isn`t the Lord`s way. It`s the enemy`s way! He is filling my head and my heart with so much doubt! He will persecute you any way possible in order to keep you from God`s blessings.

It is at these times as much as ever, that we need to go to our Lord and Savior in prayer. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

Continue to pray over the situation and seek clarity and discernment! O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1

He DOES hear your prayers! Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31

Why do YOU doubt? Have faith Sisters! Seek out the blessings and the favor that our Savior has for you!

Labels: Adversity, Anxiety, Distress, Triumph

According to Wiktionary, `Adversity` is defined as:

Adversity

1. (Parody): A bottomless lake, surrounded by near-sighted friends. - 1904, The Foolish Dictionary
2. state of adverse conditions; state of misfortune or calamity
3. event that is adverse; calamity

It can be translated to mean: `A bottomless lake`

WOW! `A bottomless lake`? Pit of despair? Hopelessness?

Have you ever had one of `those days`? That`s a loaded question, isn`t it? How about one of those weeks or even months? Nothing seems to go your way or everything seems to go wrong?

When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. Deuteronomy 4:30

You make your minimum credit card payment, only to realize that they/you didn`t figure in interest and now you`re over the limit? Or you didn`t realize that your payment date fell on Sunday and if you don`t pay the extra $12.95 you`re going to be late? The neighbors that come and go 50 times a day (mostly during your toddler`s naptime or bedtime) have lost their muffler! You get in the car to run your child to school because he missed the bus and you`re out of gas or have a flat tire? The neighbors in your apartment building are loud and obnoxious – but they have the nerve to turn you in for parking in `their` spot? Friends, mentors, people you trust lie to you?

What do you do? How do you handle it? The Bible tells us: Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer Romans 12:12 Another translation puts it this way: Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer.

We`ve all been there and the list of terrible situations we face goes on and on. (Some even tragic!) It never ceases to amaze me how bad things can get, and all at the same time! If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10

The enemy is constantly whittling at us, at our faith and devotion. He wants nothing more than to break us and drive us away from our Heavenly Father! Away from Salvation! He will use whatever means possible, our families, our finances, our health, our friends...

There is so much to say on this topic, I think we`ll discuss it all week. We`ll approach different views each day. Please stop by often and leave comments! I look forward to hearing from you gals!

All my love and prayers for a great week!

Labels: Adversity, Distress, Tribulation