It has been awhile since I have posted on my blog, in fact
this is my first post of 2016. As I was approaching the new year I kept
hearing within me the words "Keep moving forward". I believe that is a
God given word for me as I continue in my daily walk with my Lord Jesus
Christ.
Many have labeled the difficult times in our lives with
words and phrases like this: storms, valleys, storm is raging, valley is
deep, I'm in a dark place, can't see the light at the end of the
tunnel. But in fact the meaning is the same: life and circumstances have
become so difficult we don't think we can bear anymore. For me in these
times I find myself saying Jesus get me out of here.
Over the years God has often spoken very clearly to me
during these turbulent times; I have heard Him say "I am looking for a
people who will worship Me, serve Me, praise Me, give, the same in the
valley as they do on the mountain top, You need to see it from My
perspective I see the whole picture, here in the storm is where you
become closer to Me, seek Me as your Provider, I am your Husband." Each
time a word came it would lift me up and He would place me in that
moment on the mountain top that I might find rest, be refreshed and
comforted so that I could continue Moving Forward on our journey
together; always preparing us for the next valley/storm. Will 2016 be different from the other years? There will always
be storms and valleys in this life that will never change, but my
response in that storm/valley is what God is changing in me. I heard the
term recently "Embrace the Suffering with Joy" at the time I really
liked the sound of it, (yet wondered if it would be possible) remembering my Joy is in Christ Jesus my Lord not
in my circumstances and pain, everything is only temporary including
happiness. That which I hold on to is eternal my hope, my joy, my faith
in Christ, my redemption, my heavenly home. Holding on to these keeps me
moving forward, enables me to ride out the storm, enjoy the valley, and
see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Colossians 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and
fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for
the sake of His body, the church. (Paul understood suffering and
welcomed it. To suffer as Jesus did for the church Paul was willing to
suffer)
James 1:2 My brethren, (that's us) count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be
with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you
walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame
scorch you.
Any time we find ourselves in a valley/storm, it is never meant to bring us harm instead it is to strengthen our faith and draw us nearer to Jesus. So hold on to Jesus He will take you to the other side.
