In Christ

Typically, I stop by this place each morning. Not to read the posts...as I am already quite familiar with what is written here. :) No, I enjoy the music. So I click on this place and open the music that ministers to my heart as I wake up, check emails, the weather report, the news stories and visit other places I enjoy with my cup of tea in hand.

This morning, I found the following verse waiting for me from the sidebar link that posts a new scripture here daily.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Another reminder from the Father, perfectly chosen, perfectly placed for me to read today.

This most recent walk I’ve been asked to take has grown more difficult in recent days. My body has decided to take the “a-typical” route and has complicated what was already complicated enough.

I am trying not to ask God “why?”

I am, however, asking Him what He wants me to see in the process. I am asking Him what He wants me to learn—deeper trust, perseverance, faith, peace in the process, ??? I am trying to hear His voice in the decision making process as I trust myself and my body to Him.

I am trying not to be frustrated, to fear, or to “feel” abandoned.

Emotions are real and I am that! :) But I refuse to allow satan any ground in my life as a result of choosing paths of perceived self preservation based on my emotional response to the situation.

I am reminding myself that God’s previous grace giftings to me were not imagined. They were real and His presence is real even though, for now, I am growing weary of what else is very real in my life right now.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I continue to rejoice in the truth that another soul from my womb now resides in the Kingdom!

I pray and lay my requests at the feet of mercy—yes, I lay this newest burden at the feet of the cross.

I give thanks for this opportunity to experience His lavish love for me! I give thanks for further proof that He is and so is my faith—authentic!

For all this experience entangled is God’s will for me.

I don’t have to like it. I don’t have to understand it. I just believe this is His will and I walk His will knowing that I am passionately loved and mightily supported.

For the first time, truly, in my life—I know that I am not alone. He made that perfectly, miraculously and powerfully clear to me.

I walk, I pray, I wait, I rest in His merciful embrace.

Sometimes it is an embrace that I can feel. Sometimes it is an embrace that I simply believe in.

Through these days I have come to know more surely than ever before that my feelings cannot be trusted. Nothing can take me from His great love—nothing—ever! This is not just something I choose to believe, it is a fact that has been powerfully proven to me in an experience that normally would have sent me reeling into silent despair and self pity. (Trust me...I know me! :)

What wondrous love...

This love is not just for me. It is for and towards each one who purposely and regularly bows the knee in obedience to the Savior—Jesus Christ.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

I pray that in the midst of whatever walk the Father has taken you on that you too are always rejoicing, ceaselessly praying and constantly giving thanks while trusting in His goodness. That “this”—whatever the “this” is—IS His will for you...you who are in Christ Jesus.

And that is what makes all the difference in the world!

Christ is in me and I am in Him. I am sealed in the Spirit. I have His resurrection power! Now I walk in the light of it!

“I shall lead the blind by a road they do not know, by paths they do not know I shall conduct them. I shall turn the darkness into light before them and the quagmires into solid ground. This I shall do—without fail.” Isaiah 42:16 (JEB)