A while back you may remember another blog I wrote titled The Quest For the Cross. In that message, the Lord told me we must keep our focus on the cross no matter the chaos. Well, his message is the same for today. Isn’t He so good to KEEP us during these dark and difficult times? In my gleeful welcome of brisk sunshine this morning, I marveled at the two branches forming a cross just outside my office window. They have remained fixed…..even motionless through the Winter. You can look back at the image I used to write the blog above and clearly see that it is exactly in the same position…..through harsh snow and winds, and today, while all other branches are suddenly and unexpectedly tossed about they remain unmoved.
I find that it‘s through the most emotional turmoil, fear, anxiety, sickness, rejection, etc. that as I look for Jesus, his wisdom, and comfort, He is not hard to find. In fact, it’s easier for me to see and feel his presence as I make a conscious decision to find Him. Yes, sometimes it ‘feels’ like he is nowhere to be found and we don’t feel or hear Him at all, but these are the times to walk by faith, encouraging ourselves in the Lord, and as we do, the tingly feelings, sense of warmth, and floods of joy and truth come rushing in to rescue our weary souls. Faith and works really do go hand-in-hand.
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
James 2:26 ESV
You are not the sum total of what others think or feel about you. Let that sink in for a moment. Jesus himself was rejected by men, and not supported maybe the way his human nature would have preferred. His small gathering of followers fell asleep when he needed them most, but he knew their weaknesses and followed His calling unmoved by them or his circumstances. His message of Love and His shed blood was enough and impacted mankind for all eternity.
What is holding you back today? Are people or circumstances getting in the way of Hope? It does not have to be. Your life is hidden with Christ and He is unmovable, you can be too.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4 ESV
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me. Selah. God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness!"
Psalm 57:1-3 ESV
Let Him hide you today in His unmovable strength, peace, and protection being confident in Who He Is and because of Whose You Are!
On a journey of Healing and Hope with you,
Terri Lynne
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