Have you been feeling attacked from all sorts of places, faces, spaces lately? Do you feel like asking when will this stop? Going through the fire is not only hot, almost burning but it can start to become exhausting and make you want to run away, give up and quit. Whatever it is you are going through, whatever mountain you are facing, hear me out.... I am here to remind you these four words which will be very useful to you in the long run "DO NOT GIVE UP". I do not know what it looks like for you but I sure do know that in the midst of the storm the answer is not to give up, yes it might come up as a question but you rebuke and cast that thought out immediately because giving up is plainly not an option.
Please be reminded that according to God's word which will not return to Him void "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as
fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious
than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials,
it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus
Christ is revealed to the whole world." - 1 Peter 1:7 NLT
With much love and respect I tell you this, I am not worthy of being alive today but by the loving mercy and grace of God I am, and every day that I wake up I do give thanks because I know that He still has a plan for my life, it is not over, He has not given up so how dare I give up on the King of Kings? Listen, if the enemy is coming after you, if you are being faced with trial after trial, please know the enemy's job is to rob and steal your joy, happiness, peace and everything else he can take from you, stand firm, be aware, know that he is coming, he does not sit still, he is carefully plotting against you so you cannot fall for that, you must stand firm on your guard. Please know that Satan is threatened by you, Yes that's right, you heard me, you are a threat to your enemy, therefore he will try to do everything to bring you down.... but stand firm because Jesus overcame Satan and the world and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world.
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.
He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8
I know that I know that I know that this which is happening in my life right now and day by day what I am going through will be all for His glory. He will be able to use this for His glory, my mess will turn into His Message, my tests will turn into my Testimony, for that I am grateful. I am grateful He loves us so dearly that He does not give up on us.
I am grateful for the process even though I might get frustrated at times I am learning that sanctification takes time and so does real transformation for it to be effective long term, so today I remind you to be encouraged and enjoy the journey that God has prepared for you, He is there with you and for you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor
forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" - Zechariah 13:9 NLT
Remember that ALL of those things that feel bad right now and make you cry, that boss, that teacher, that friend, that parent, that job, that pain, that experience, that heartbreak, those emotions will eventually work out for your good because Romans 8:28 tells us that ALL things will work out for our good.
{And we know [with great
confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all
things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to
those who are called according to His plan and purpose.} Romans 8:28 AMP
What are you fighting?
What are you struggling with?
Give it to God today, let his peace rule your hearts, let your faith be strengthened.
Prayer: I love you and I thank you for loving me so much that you do
not give up on me Lord, you continue to work in me each and every day
little by little I learn something new, you never leave me the same, for
that I am thankful. I know that all these things will work out for my good so I ask for the strength to endure the pain and suffering I am now facing which is nothing compared to what you once faced. I ask for courage to stand strong against the enemy and his plans and to do the right thing even when it no longer feels right. If there is anything we may have done against you Father right now I ask for your forgiveness and ask that you cleanse us of all unrighteousness and make us holy like you are. I proclaim I will live this life by faith and not by my feelings, taking steps of faith that will only strengthen my relationship with you as we go together from glory to glory. Thank you Lord for giving us a peace that surpasses all understanding, a smile and a joy that comes from you and you alone which all can enjoy from, it is in Jesus precious and mighty name that we pray, Amen!