For the Win

 When a breakthrough comes, whether great or small, we have cause for celebration for several reasons. One reason to celebrate is that we've been freed, the problem is resolved, and the bills are paid. Another reason to celebrate is to let others know and testify to God's goodness. Most importantly, to make Him known to everyone around us. The reality is, we cannot hide. Our coworkers, neighbors, family members, and close friends can tell when something is going on, even when we do our best to put on a brave face. And although our close friends might know we're in a battle, they aren't always going to be able to help carry the burden; however, they may have the ability to carry us to the Lord in prayer. 

(I honestly think this is one of the best parts of a friendship, knowing they're willing to take us before the Lord, hold my hands up (figuratively), and ask Jesus to intervene.)

Some battles we face are brief. In the medical field, we call them acute events. Sudden and unexpected, requiring immediate action, and often can be resolved with treatment. While potentially traumatic, the event resolves with the Lord's intervention, and we can testify, celebrate, and magnify the Lord.

Longterm--chronic--battles are generally those things that linger, may go into remission and re-emerge and subside again. The symptoms could be characterized as harassing agents, or perhaps--as Paul described it--a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Either way, it's important to recognize who it is that sends the trouble, and to whom we should look for relief. No trial, struggle, or hardship is sent only to harm us. Instead, if he wins, we are collateral damage to a greater battle that is being waged. We are told this is not a flesh-and-blood battle: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).

The difference. between acute and chronic events is the length of the season. A chronic event can last many years. A lifetime, even. This can become wearisome. The one carrying the burden may feel weak, faint of heart.

Does this mean the person is weak, faithless, or separated from God?

Courtesy Google Images

I don't believe so. Instead, this person may simply become road-weary.  And oh, the joy when the Lord walks them through the door to freedom! (Proverbs 13:12)

After a lifetime of battling harassing voices telling me I will never be ___, I can attest to the weary, worn, and clinging to Him for my life.

For years, I battled against a harassing lie. I knew it was a lie, but for whatever reason, I could not silence it permanently. I would pray, read my Bible, quote Scripture, etc. The harassment would end for a time, but inevitably, the liar would breathe his whispers once again into my ears. It was usually when I was overtired and overwhelmed by work or family crises.

The last time was two weeks ago. Without going into a lot of detail (that's for another time), this battle was on. I was in West Virginia visiting family for a wedding, and by the time I returned home, the liar had inserted perceptions and skewed thoughts into my head. The entire time, I knew I heard lies.

This is one of the most frustrating places to be. I was physically and mentally worn. Emotionally, a train wreck.

So I cried out to Jesus, "Please fix this in me."

And a dear friend cried out as well once I confessed this to her.

One Friday morning, I awoke and asked again, "Please fix me." And that morning, He spoke 4 words to my heart.

"I hold you guiltless." (Genesis 20:16)

"I don't abandon those who seek Me." (Psalm 9:10)

"I am your Hope." (Romans 15:13)

"This is your Goliath. Ask, and I will slay it for you." (Jack Hibbs podcast)

By noon, on this Friday, I could sense a difference. Until then, it had felt like a 20# weighted blanket was wrapped around my shoulders, and I couldn't shake it off. Until then, I'd felt so fatigued that sleeping for 48 hrs wouldn't have helped.

But throughout that afternoon, I felt lighter, my mind was clearer, and the shroud that blocked my vision was gone.

It was quiet. No fanfare. But Jesus showed up and healed that corner of my heart that was so susceptible to lies.

Courtesy Google images

This is the hope that comes, bringing with it a wellspring of life. It's not only for me. I'm sharing it because I want to encourage you. I am His daughter. And you're also His beloved child. He doesn't ever look at us and say, "I will bless this one, but that one? They need to beg a little longer, say more penance, serve better ..." 

NO.

He delights in His sons and daughters. He waits for us to turn our faces towards Him and ask for His comfort, healing, grace, and strength.

It's ours. Reach out and grab hold of His hand. Whether He heals us physically or not, He will heal us emotionally, and our souls will be whole.

Blessings to you! Until next time, 💜 Karlene J 💜 

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Required: Faith with Courage

Jordan River at Flood stage, Courtesy Google Images

 It's time to step into the Jordan (River).

It's a one-liner whispered in the early morning, while coffee was savored in a dimly lit room, and this servant's heart asked for direction, wisdom, and a purpose for this new year.

Our family had journeyed down a long and exhausting road, and were growing weary. It didn't appear that any of us were on the same page any longer. We couldn't agree on our next steps. The thought of pursuing a dream invited accusing voices, telling us we'd waited too long. It's too late. Just accept what is and be content.

Sounds honorable. Be content. Right?

Paul tells Timothy, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content," (1 Timothy 6:7-8 NKJV).

Courtesy Google Images

A resounding AMEN to this.

However, there is a state of being in life that appears to be masquerading as contentment. This is complacency. The Cambridge dictionary defines this as "feeling so satisfied with your own abilities or situation that you feel you do not need to try any harder."

Complacency is, in fact, a condition John wrote about in Revelation. 

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: 

These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with salve, that you may see. 

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. 

If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Revelation 3:14-21 NKJV).

Chilling words. Have we become content with our success? Have we settled into a pattern of living that was comfortable and familiar? Or have we struggled along our paths so long that we've decided the path of least resistance would be ok. Rest. Relax. Step out of the battle for a time.

Sadly, we don't overcome any obstacle by taking the smooth road. 

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore, I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV).

Discipline is not a swear word. Rather, it is a tool used for our growth and maturity. Whatever it looks like in our lives, it produces in us the ability to withstand the struggles that come, as well as strengthens us to be a pillar for our fellow Christ followers to lean on when they are treading the waves of a stormy sea.

Faith isn't for the faint of heart. It's not an easy path. It will take courage. It will take a decision, every day--possibly every minute--to trust God, believe His word, and know that He doesn't abandon His children.

So take heart, friend. We are called to faith in Christ, and in order to follow Him, we will need courage to live out our faith. Courage to step into the Jordan.

Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan courtesy Google Images

For a little context, the Israelites were instructed to step into the Jordan during the time it was at flood stage. Once across this river, they would set foot on their promised land--Canaan. The priests were to take the Ark of the Covenant and lead the way. The moment their feet touched the water, the Lord pushed it back, stacking the molecules atop one another until a wall of water stood upriver--like a dam. And the entire nation crossed on the riverbed's dry bottom (Joshua 3).

In science, the laws of physics and natural science would dictate that this is an impossible feat. And it is. Without God's intervention. Without Him, we can do nothing. But when He is leading, we can be assured of successful outcomes. Joshua was encouraged multiple times to be strong and courageous as he took the mantle of leadership after Moses' death.

It's no different today. We need courage to not only step into uncharted territory, but also to go against our own logic--or that of those around us.

One of my favorite contemporary heroes of the faith is Eric Liddell. His courage to stand for conviction over the Olympic medal ultimately won him a gold in a race he'd not trained for. In his words, "No man who really is a man ever cared for the easy task. There is no enjoyment in the game that is easily won. It is that in which you have to strain every muscle and sinew to achieve victory that provides real joy," (Common Good, 7/26/24).

As 2025 came to a close, and the words "step into the Jordan" echoed in my mind, I looked over the time spent wishing, hoping, and waiting. Some of it felt like circling the mountain. Some felt like a boxing match while sinking in quicksand. Most of it could be described as life happens.

Going forward into 2026, and knowing what context a "step into the Jordan" meant, it's time for us to show up and be counted. Take back the territory God has given, own it--figuratively and literally--and finish our race.

Let it be said of us, "They didn't have to say a word, everyone knew they were in the room."

As the first of many steps, I am working to gather these lessons and publish them in book format. It's a lifelong dream, and 2026 is the year. I will share this journey as we progress. 

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Blessings to you this year. Until next time, 💜 Karlene J 💜