Insult to Injury
6/3/2016
When first affliction comes upon us, how everything gives way! Our clinging, tendril hopes are snapped, and our heart lies prostrate like a vine that the storm has torn from its trellis; but when the first shock is past, and we are able to look up, and say, "It is the Lord," faith lifts the shattered hopes once more, and binds them fast to the feet of God. Thus the end is confidence, safety, and peace. -Streams in the Desert
There are moments when my body collapses from the weight of it, and my mind just can’t wrap around the reality… it doesn’t get easier in time… the gap just gets wider. The wound feels fresh yet again! I can feel the enormity of the pain enclosing around me, choking me and trying to take over every cell of my weakened body. In those instances, I can feel the heavy breathing on my neck and the gnawing teeth at my heels as the enemy desires to devour and discourage me. He looks for that moment to ignite depression, discouragement and defeat as he seizes every opportunity to assault me…But then…GOD.
Yes, GOD reaches in, takes my hand and lifts me up and says, “ I have you child. The enemy is attempting to insult your injury. He delights in tearing open a healing wound but he can not undo the healing that I have done unless you allow it. The enemy hates to see the work of my love, compassion and healing grace that has taken place and seeks to kidnap you into his darkness. Do not look or listen to him, keep your eyes on me as I continue to heal the pain, protect the hole in your heart, and walk you through this valley victoriously. You will not be consumed, as I have you. Do not believe the lies whispered in your ear as the enemy KNOWS he has LOST. He tries to find ways to undermine the intimacy we have, but you must remember I am always with you and I will not leave you. A day is coming when you will understand what you do not now. Even when you can't see me at work, I am accomplishing what needs to be done here and for all eternity. Continue to trust me sweet one, because it is in these moments I am able to overcome the state of powerlessness you feel with my power! When your hopes are shattered, your faith shaken and your trust failing, I am carrying you along hemming you into my very being. While I am birthing new things in you, the enemy is seething with a destructive plan to try and undermine the work I am accomplishing in and through you. This life is a fiery furnace that is sifting and shifting the very substance of your faith but it is also the place where a new beauty is emerging as you are delivered into new places. Beauty has been birthed through your brokenness and it will continue so do not become faint of heart. “You can see and understand only a little about ME now, as if you were peering at my reflection in a poor mirror; but someday you are going to see ME in completeness, face-to-face. Now all that you know is hazy and blurred, but then you will see everything clearly, just as clearly as I see into your heart right now.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.”
In a moment where my heart was sinking in despair, the Lord came in answer to my prayerful plea. How I praise Him for the power He has to make the enemy flee. He reminds me my pain is with purpose…His purpose. My struggle becomes the foundation of His strength in and through the circumstances I face. My faith is being fashioned and rooted in His promises as He is faithful to fulfill each one. I cling to each one of those promises as a precious gift and I pray you do as well, as it is our lifeline! When the enemy assaults you, turn your heart and soul to the Lord and let Him renew you.
Have you experienced a trauma, hardship or life altering time where God has carried you through and you can see the progression that has happened in your life since that time, then all of a sudden you feel you are facing that trauma again? It is normal to have such moments but what do you do in those moments? When I have those times, I run to be with Jesus! He is the only one who can understand and minister to my heart. I just had one of those times of recent and I spent several days just letting the Lord minister to me through His word! Let Him do the same for you to precious one as you face such times and let Him rekindle you. Run to Him for His sustaining strength, His powerful presence and His lavish love. Let Him breathe life back into your body and refresh your soul. Love to you dear ones! A fellow sojourner, Marcia
Father, I am thankful you meet me wherever I am! You always have more than I need. Thank you for reminding me whom my help comes from and for protecting me. Thank you for running interference when the enemy insults my injuries! And thank you for your promises that are never ending and for your provision within them. Help me to be strengthened in the struggles and use my pain for your purposes. When I despair, restore my sight with spiritual lenses and use my life for your glory. In Jesus’ name!
Amen.