Last year was a pretty hard year for our family.
We had a few severe trials.
As I am preparing for a new year,
I found myself a little fearful…
…a little worried about what the year would hold.
I’m usually not a worrier.
I don’t like to give something to the Lord in prayer,
and take it back with worry.
I usually don’t fear the future,
I trust Him for the path ahead.
I’ve even walked through times past where I had to take a step
and there wasn’t even ground underfoot
…yet.
For a few days fear and worry clouded my spiritual sight.
I began asking the Lord to speak to me through verses on prayer,
so I could trust anew that
He’ll hear and answer my prayers.
I also encouraged myself that
trials are good.
Trials are not a surprise to the Lord,
nor are they out of His will.
They are for His purpose and His glory.
I’ve also spend purposeful time listening to music
that will speak the Truth of God’s Word to my heart.
At the recent funeral of a dear friend, Becca,
another friend Jessica, from Blessed Beyond Measure,
beautifully sang “Blessings” by Laura Story.
Most of you probably have heard it.
But you might not have heard the story behind the song.
She shares her amazing testimony of the trial that led her to
write and record this song.
If that isn’t enough encouragement, you can read her bio here.
This song was written as a result of spiritual and physical agony,
when she and her husband found the answers they needed
from the heart of the Lord,
they poured this out to others.
Do you think her suffering has borne a lot of fruit?
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble,
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Hmmm….was that the Lord’s plan from the beginning?
It was the plan for His Son,
to use His sufferings to minister to others in need.
It can help us look at
our trials,
our sufferings,
our testings,
our struggles,
in a little different light.
If we turn to the Lord in all these hard things,
someday our sufferings will be used in the lives of others.
Instead of fear and worry,
I’m ready again to walk in faith into the new year.
Even if there isn’t ground underneath my feet
….yet.
I love the part where you said that trials do not mean that you are out of God's will.I know that sometimes people tend to question their path when opposition comes. Just because something is hard doesn't mean that we've done something wrong!I am glad that you are taking that step of faith, instead of freezing up and not moving at all!Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
I love the part where you said that trials do not mean that you are out of God's will.I know that sometimes people tend to question their path when opposition comes. Just because something is hard doesn't mean that we've done something wrong!I am glad that you are taking that step of faith, instead of freezing up and not moving at all!Thanks for linking up to Making Your Home Sing Monday!
This has been a favorite song of mine lately. Life IS hard. But trials drive us to our knees and into the arms of God. Thanks for sharing.
This has been a favorite song of mine lately. Life IS hard. But trials drive us to our knees and into the arms of God. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful heart felt post Mindy! xxx
Beautiful heart felt post Mindy! xxx
I am in awe. I think more than you know, your struggles are the reason other people find hope. I know I've told you this before, but I truly believe it. I hope you see that you are on a FIRM FOUNDATION. You're grounded. You're full of faith. And there's so much hope where you are in life. God's giving you ministry opportunities, and you're taking them. You're sharing his word, meditating on it daily. If I were God, I'd only give you hard times, because that's when I'd feel closest to you, right? 🙂 You're in our prayers!
I am in awe. I think more than you know, your struggles are the reason other people find hope. I know I've told you this before, but I truly believe it. I hope you see that you are on a FIRM FOUNDATION. You're grounded. You're full of faith. And there's so much hope where you are in life. God's giving you ministry opportunities, and you're taking them. You're sharing his word, meditating on it daily. If I were God, I'd only give you hard times, because that's when I'd feel closest to you, right? 🙂 You're in our prayers!
Always a blessing to read your blog. Praying for continued strength you need in this coming year. Also, challenged to pray and leave my worries at the Lord's feet as well. Thanks dear friend. 🙂
Always a blessing to read your blog. Praying for continued strength you need in this coming year. Also, challenged to pray and leave my worries at the Lord's feet as well. Thanks dear friend. 🙂
Your words are deep and full of faith.God bless you on your life journey, one glorious step at a time, Friend.
Your words are deep and full of faith.God bless you on your life journey, one glorious step at a time, Friend.
"I'm usually not a worrier.I don't like to give something to the Lord in prayer,and take it back with worry."That is such a wonderful thought and challenge!
"I'm usually not a worrier.I don't like to give something to the Lord in prayer,and take it back with worry."That is such a wonderful thought and challenge!