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 💜 

**If you'd like to receive these in your email inbox, please send me a message via the "contact me" box in the top right-hand margin, and I'll add your email address to my list.**