As we enter into the Christmas
holidays, I have more smiles to add to the pile. Our family is rejoicing.
I haven’t kept up my blog very well recently because I’ve been traveling…and
praying. A huge test of faith loomed large over our family this past year
that God used to train us how to battle in the spirit realm. The good news is that a hostile court
scene was avoided and God’s peace and forgiveness took its place, tearing down
walls of strife that the enemy erected over the years. This Christmas, I’m reflecting on how God
shows up at just the right time. He’s
never late, is He? In fact He came to earth at just the right time to be
born and to die so that we can be free to live in victory!
I knew from the beginning that the trial
our family faced was not going to be removed, but that each one of us had
something to learn for our spiritual journeys and the trial would be the
catalyst to promote us to a higher ground. I’m not saying I’m a victorious
over-comer, but I’ve learned to shake off some bad habits. I’ve learned a
few things:
- Forgiveness is a one-way street. When you forgive someone, they may not change but you will and your lightness of heart is evident of God’s joy for all to see. Recently my husband introduced me to a friend of his. He later he told me his friend noticed a sparkle in my eyes. That kind of freedom would not be there if bitterness had its way and I wore a cloak of self pity.
- I cannot control my circumstances or other people. I can (and must) share my heart’s concerns with the Lord daily and ask Him for wisdom and direction with a firm resolve to obey Him.
- I cannot manipulate other people or the outcome. In one Sunday service before going to court, I felt prompted to ask for prayer for my family. We have an anointed prayer team who prays with you and sends you on your way with loving hugs. Yet, I waited until I heard “ask that one.” I was in the parking lot when I turned to a young friend’s hug asking me how I’m doing. “She’s the one”….Wow, was she ever! I believe it was not only her prayers, but her counsel that turned our surrender into success. Having just been through this kind of test, she not only spoke wisdom, but bore the fruit of it.
- Don’t talk about the person that hurt you. When we’re expecting a miracle, the enemy likes to steal it by tempting us to say unkind things about people and even if it’s true, that kind of stuff leads to more wounds, for them and me.
- Trials will not sweep away my joy. Joy has been promised to me and I can continue to serve God and love others regardless.
- My pea-size brain cannot analyze why this happened. Even if the Holy Spirit reveals some things, the only responsibility I have is to repent for my part and let God work in it all. It is so burdensome to try to figure things out or judge. We’re told not to! Better to use that energy to get a promise from God and pray it allowing Him to work in the mess and change us all in the process!
- Now when I see someone’s status or blog post and sense that they need prayer, I try to leave a comment that I’m standing in faith with them and even if 50 people post that, I’ll be 51. When you’re going through the hard times, it means the world to know someone out there supports you. The Body of Christ is very loving! I will never forget those who scribbled a quick comment that they’re praying. What a gift and the more response, the more love you feel.
We are packing today for yet another
holiday road trip. I’ll be away from my
desktop and blog for a while, but when I get back I look forward to visiting my
wonderful friends and seeing what you are all doing. I’m wishing you a merriest Christmas holiday
season.
Merry Christmas....Thank you for sharing your struggles and the faith that is holding you up. Our trials are never easy but it is encouraging to know we are not alone. I pray the New year will be a year of victory for you! Have a fun and safe trip...Dee
ReplyDeleteThese lessons you have listed, that God has taught you... they are called wisdom, Mary. How hard some of the learning is, but you have done it with His grace, and I am rejoicing with you all.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip and a Merry Christmas my friend! I know you will.
Hugs,
Sonja
Such extremely good lessons you've learned - and I've learned from you!
ReplyDeleteGod recently did a miracle of healing and forgiveness in our family, too. And it is amazing to see Him work.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Mary - and may your entire family be blessed.
GOD BLESS!
It seems like we are always being put on hold by His hands in each trial we encounter...No matter, He truly knows what's best for us. I'm glad that you are doing well along with your beautiful family sister Mary. His love is faithful...Indeed. May you have a wonderful Christmas and lots of awesome surprises come 2014. Blessings and love to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! So nice to see you blogging again!
ReplyDeleteWow, it sure sounds like you have been through the wringer, that's for sure. What precious lessons you have learned along the hard way. You definitely got up every day, and strapped on your cross. Now you can feel so light, the battle is over.
Blessings for your family this Christmas,
Ceil
Isn't it amazing how the Lord teaches us so much through the trials of life? This life here is hard. But praise God that we aren't left alone. He is with us every step of the way. I appreciate you listing the lessons for all of us to read and take heed.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Debbie
I'm so glad I stopped by to read this post...what a blessing and encouragement you are! Thank you for sharing the lessons you've learned. I've had some similar ones this year.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long while since I've done any blogging, but I posted about my anchor verses and word for the year. Please hop over and check it out!
Blessings to you in the coming year!
I didn't get to read this post at the time that you published it, but it was indeed a privilege to have been among those who prayed for your family about this painful trial. Rejoicing with you for how it all turned out. Amazing God... and I rejoice with you! Beautiful insights you have shared here. Those sparkling eyes are indeed a great testimony to what forgiveness does to our faces! Wishing you a wonderful 2014 ahead of you!
ReplyDelete