There's a Reason for That Test, You Know

Blessed are those who endure when they are tested ... James 1:12

We're always being tested - by major changes, delayed promises, impossible situations, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticisms, etc.


When you understand that all of life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant. Every day is an important day and every second a growth opportunity to deepen your character, demonstrate your love and make you depend more on God.

Are you in a time of testing? If so, know that God NEVER allows the test you face to be greater than the GRACE He provides. God won't allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you're put to the test, He'll give you strength to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you. James wrote in James 1:12, 'When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.'

HANG IN THERE, for God WILL bring you THROUGH the tests of life and make you stronger and wiser.

Prayer: Father, where would we be if it weren't for Your grace? Thank You for equipping us with what we need to go through, for going before us, and for holding our hand through our journey. Wash away the disappointments and discouragements with Your love, Lord and renew our hope in You and the good plan that You have for our life. In Jesus' name, amen.

God HATES Abuse - So Stop Being a Martyr & Let Go

For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate]. Malachi 2:16
Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Colossians 3:19




You've probably heard more times than you've wanted to that God hates divorce. But did you know that God ALSO hates abuse? Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and we are to take care of and protect them. The Word also says to guard our heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23).

The Lord has delivered me from many abusive relationships, including the last one which was a verbal, mental, emotional, physical & sexual abusive relationship that lasted 10 yrs. - He can do it for you, too. I always felt like when I had chairs or knives or fists or hateful words thrown at me that when I called on Jesus He heard me but didn't do anything - but He did - I'm still here. The enemy and all my abusers have lost their power over me because of Christ's love for me and His Blood that covers me. If you're still around, you're a fighter and a survivor, too.

We are to be controlled and led by the Holy Spirit, not man. We should never submit to man to the point of sin (whether or not they are our husband, parent, or leader). It's better to obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29). Sad to say, so often out of fear or people pleasing (not wanting to offend), we obey man. Be obedient to the voice of the Lord and instead of being afraid of repercussions or retaliation, trust God for the outcome. Go to God for wisdom and the final say so regarding your relationships - not your friends. Friends can listen, support and advise but don't know what's best for you - only God does.

Without a radical moving and healing from God, an abuser will NEVER EVER change - even if they cry, beg or give gifts - DON'T fall for the lies. Men who abuse women are so chicken and so weak and what happened in their past is NO excuse or reason to do it. They think it makes them feel like a man and they need a mother figure to slave for them that they can control. They also want to have their own personal 'sex slave'. Abusers gain control through brainwashing and fear tactics (like I'll kill you or your family, you can't make it without me, nobody else would want you, or you don't have any money). That and the involvement of children is why some choose to stay anyway.

If someone yells at you, controls you, hits you and separates you from friends and family - you're being abused - pray for a way out and get out. Respect yourself and Christ in you enough to not allow others to abuse and belittle you. Don't allow others to take advantage of and mistreat you because of their position and power. 1 Corinthians 6:14 says not to be unequally yoked. God HATES abuse and DOESN'T want you to live in an abusive situation. You ARE NOT your abuser's savior. You can't fix them, change them, or save them. Jesus should be your Lord (there's only 1 God, 1 Lord, 1 Savior), not a man. 1 Corinthians 7:16 says, 'Wife, how can you be sure of converting and saving your husband? Husband, how can you be sure of converting and saving your wife?' DON'T be deceived into thinking you have to stay with your abuser to keep them from suicide, it's not your responsibility. DON'T worry about 'what ifs'. DON'T stay for the children, the abuser will probably abuse them whether you're there or not. Take you and them to a safe house. (SafeHouseCenter.org 24/7 Helpline: (734) 995-5444). Pray and let God do the work.

Our worth is found in God, not in how people treat us. DON'T define yourself by how you are being treated by an abuser. You ARE NOT a punching bag. You ARE a child of the Most High God. You ARE special in God's sight. You ARE valuable. You ARE loved. You ARE accepted.

God has a GOOD plan for our lives. The Word says in Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Allow Christ's unfailing love to sustain you. You CAN live without your abuser. You CAN have friends that aren't tied to your abuser. You ARE NOT crazy, stupid, or unwanted. You CAN make it on your own - dependent on GOD. You WILL and DO amount to something. You CAN make good decisions on your own - with God's help. You ARE strong enough - God gives you the strength. God DOES hear your cries for help.

It should also be noted that it's a misdemeanor to know that a crime (like abuse) is being committed and not report it. It's a felony to commit abuse - whether they are your spouse or not. It's a felony to commit rape - whether they are your spouse or not. Be a listening ear to those in crisis situations, they don't need your judgment.

Being abused? GET OUT and call 911 - and DON'T let fear and threats talk you out of pressing charges. We won't think less of you, instead we'll be proud of you. If you're being abused, get out and don't look back.

Prayer: Father, I pray that You stop the cycle of abuse across this land. We curse ungodly soul ties in our lives and pray for deliverance from abuse and help us not to return to toxic relationships once we've been delivered. Help us to treat each other with love and respect. Help those of us being abused to get help. Protect us from further harm, Lord. Heal our hearts, minister to those places where we have withdrawn and retreated to in order to protect ourselves. Love on us. Help us to put down the old ways of thinking and doing and begin to trust You enough to do a new thing in us. We will press through. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 
Helpful Scripture

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33
If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31
Greater is Jesus in us than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4God will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to Him. Ps 72:14
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
NO weapon trying to form against us is gonna prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
JESUS is our Husband; He removes our shame: Is 54 http://bit.ly/gdamZG

Helpful Numbers & Websites

If you have been or are being abused now, GET HELP NOW - call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org) 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Signs of Abusive Men http://eshanya.webs.com/signsofabusivemen.htm
Male Victims of Domestic Abuse http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/malevictims.shtml
Power & Control Tactics Used in Same-Sex Relationships http://bit.ly/l6n4OR
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 'Safety Plan' http://bit.ly/a3LWvg
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 'Protecting Your Identity' http://bit.ly/dD6a7h National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - 'Internet Safety' http://bit.ly/aVhr3X

See related post: Step Away ... from that Stale Cracker! http://bit.ly/ihCXye

The Days Tweets 2-26-11

For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who says to you, FEAR NOT, I am the one who helps you. Isaiah 41:13

DON'T stop believing.
Jesus is our ONLY hope.
Let go and let God.
Trust God and not man.

Behold, the former things have come to pass and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I TELL YOU of them. Isaiah 42:9

Jesus is our Healer.
I've got a feeling EVERYTHING is gonna be alright.
STOP listening to lies of the enemy - One way to identify them - when you say 'the devils been lying to me saying ...' what comes next is a LIE.
This too SHALL pass.
Relax in the LOVE that CHRIST has for YOU.
Hold fast to the words that the Lord gives you, for He WILL come through for you.
What in the world would I do without You – You're my Husband, Savior, Father, Best Friend, Healer, Provider, Deliverer – You're my EVERYTHING Jesus!
Our heavenly Father has us in the palm of His hands.
Apart from Christ, we can't do ANYTHING.

When you attacked powerful nations, the Lord MADE THEM run away, and no one has EVER been able to stand up to you. Any one of you can defeat a thousand enemy soldiers, because the LORD GOD fights for you, just as He PROMISED. Deep in your hearts you know that the LORD has kept EVERY PROMISE He ever made to you. Not one of them has been broken. Joshua 23:9,10,14

Stay close to the Vine and feed on God's Word and you'll go far.
God's got the WHOLE WORLD in His hands.

Prayer: Father, I pray that you touch our hearts and fill us with an overwhelming knowing of the love that you have for us. We need You so much, don't abandon us. Fill the voids. Heal the hurts. Strengthen us according to Your Word, in Jesus' name, amen.

Simple Word from the Lord to Me 2-7-11

Jesus said, If you love Me, obey My
commandments. All who love Me will
do what I say. My Father will love them,
and We will come and make Our home
with each of them. Anyone who
doesn’t love Me will not obey Me …
John 14:15, 23,24

 

 

 

It's in the fire that you get to know Me.
The more you know of Me, the more you love Me.
The more you love Me, the more you obey Me.

Prayer: Father, help us to hold on to our faith in You as we go through fiery trials. Give us a desire to want to know You better, love You more, and honor You by doing our best to be obedient. Give us grace. Live Your life through us, Lord. When we fall short, help us to stop beating ourselves up ... there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. In Jesus' name, amen.

So, Are You Still Standing?

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:13, 14




God's mercies are new EVERY morning. His grace comes RIGHT WHEN we need it.

If you are believing to see the promises of God come to fruition in your life - DON'T give up. God IS a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

You may be tired, things may seem dark, but remember it's always darkest just before the dawn appears. When you are weak, that's when God's strength will rise up in you.

DON'T give up because God wants to pour out His abundant blessing in every area of your life. When the bottom falls out, when it looks like you've hit an all-time low, hold on to hope. You don't know what God has around the corner.

Jesus triumphs in EVERY circumstance.

Keep standing, keep believing, keep declaring God's Word over your life.

Having done all ... STAND.

Prayer: Father, help us to keep holding on to You and Your promises of hope. Not one promise of Yours has ever failed, so give us the grace to keep pressing in and not give up. Renew our hope – in You. Be the lifter of our head. Encourage us and use us to encourage others. Refresh us and help us to be ever filled with Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, amen.

You Want Me to Do What?

Let the Lord's people show Him reverence, for those who
honor Him will have all they need. Those who trust in the
Lord will never lack any good thing. Psalm 34:9,10

Worry reveals that we aren't fully trusting God --- we need to trust God instead of worrying.

When we rely completely on God, we'll stop pleading with Him and begin to thank Him for answering our prayers. The secret to victorious faith is to dwell on the Father's ability to handle our problems. GOD is the Man with the plan, so we need to quit trying to figure everything out.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

We don't always have to be so strong, you know. It's ok to let our guard down and be ourselves with God. We need to get over ourselves, and if we want God we need to swallow our pride, ask Him for help and receive it. We have to forget all that in our mind like, 'we have to defend ourselves', and 'we have to take care of ourselves, for no one else will' and instead ASK JESUS to do it.

Now that we know what we have - Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:14-16

Every challenge presents an opportunity for the Father to display His faithfulness and love. Instead of yielding to thoughts of fear and failure, we need to make a commitment to trust God, even when we don't know what tomorrow will bring. We may experience failure and life may not always turn out as we planned. But ultimately, God will be glorified and we will be blessed.

The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer. Psalm 6:9

God doesn't just listen, He listens INTENTLY and answers. So we need to just go ahead and believe God from the get go ... for we know that He always turns out to be right anyway.

We are NEVER beyond Abba Father's reach - He can be trusted. Trust Him.

Prayer: Father, I confess my sins. Help me to focus on You, and completely surrender to Your will. As I pray for the needs in my life, help me to live as if my request has been granted. Help me to cast down thoughts of doubt and fear as they come instead of dwelling on them, and help me to speak Your Word in faith Lord God. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Abiding Rest

O, my precious Savior
to whom I ever cling;
Please take each care and burden
My soul to You does bring.

For there is not one moment
I can live without Your grace;
How I need Your strength and love
Your tender, consoling embrace.

To guide me in each hour
As I know Your plans are best
So I may walk with joyful hope
In Your sweet, abiding rest.

Jennifer Messing
In The Shadow of His Wings