KEEP MOVING FORWARD

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.