In my blog of September 25, I made a proclamation. I’M GIVING NOTICE! I determined I would no longer give ground to the “cloud of oppression and depression and the debilitating and paralyzing feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, and hopelessness” that invaded my life upon my return from China.
After writing that post, I found myself facing further areas of conflict that threatened my newfound resolve. I stayed in God’s Word daily and on my spiritual face and knees before Him in prayer. I often wept my way through the intense battles, but I determined to continue to take a stand. God met me and gave me precious “pearls” to help me persevere and grow!
However, one thing I did not do, which I should have done, was continue to post those “pearls” in my blog ~ to share them with others who may have been going through struggles of their own. I admit I allowed the enemy and the fight to prevent me from doing something I knew God wanted me to do. For that I am profoundly sorry!
The psalmist David said it this way, “[…I am distracted] at the noise of the enemy…” (Psalm 55:3 Amplified Bible). So often the enemy’s easiest way to divert my attention and my energy away from God’s direction for my life is found in his SHOUTS at me. If he can keep me occupied with the deafening sounds of his lies, he can more easily succeed in keeping me away from God’s path.
Do you ever find this to be true in your own life? Are you going through a time of struggle that is threatening to thwart what God has in mind for your life? I believe an answer can be found in Hebrews 12:1-2: “1…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV) Jesus served as a role-model for us. By His example He showed us how to face the difficulties that life sends our direction. He kept His eyes on His Father, and He endured.
As hard as it may be, I encourage you to choose to throw off whatever is standing in your way. Choose to persevere ~ to hang in there! How? Fix your eyes on Jesus! Don’t look in; don’t look out; don’t look down. Look UP!
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.¹
Father, I ask You to encourage the one reading this post who is facing extreme difficulties and going through hard places in their life. Remind them that You are ever present ~ You go before them (Deuteronomy 31:8), behind them (Isaiah 30:21), beside them (Zephaniah 3:17), and within them (Colossians 1:27). Your promise is to never leave them ~ never to walk away. Nothing can separate them from your love (Romans 8:38-39). May they truly know You and experience these truths from Your Word. Thank You, Father! Amen ~ So Be It!
¹Helen H. Lemmel, 1922 Public Domain
Thanks Janie. I know I needed this reminder. I have been thinking about you often. Glad to know that you are well and moving forward. I’ve missed you.