Feeling Like A Shrunk T-Shirt Or A Stretched Sweater


Faith Under Pressure

James 1:2-4 (MSG) Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

Well now. I thought I’d jump to a book I haven’t read in a while. James. Who knew I’d be challenged and yet comforted the VERY FIRST THING?!?! God did LOL  Yes, I have been feeling challenged lately in somethings. The pressure is partly from outside sources and partly from within. However, the verse that says “your faith-life is forced into the open and show its true colors” hit me, BIG time! I ‘thought’ I was trusting, but because this part JUMPED out at me, I figure I ‘really’ must not be – oops!

I think I need to print this verse and carry it with me at all times! So that I can memorize it, and have it to grab onto when I feel like I’m under pressure in other situations. I will say to myself over and over, “so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” – this will need to be my mantra.

Today, no matter what comes your way. If it feels like pressure is closing in from all sides, KNOW that you are not alone, first of all. Also, KNOW that there is a reason for it – a refinement of sorts going on. God has you in His hands, and He has something planned in and through whatever it is going on. Even if it seems like you are on an island all by yourself, or if it feels like you are in the middle of a storm, or perhaps like you are way down deep in a well – doesn’t matter – our Father has given you the Holy Spirit, and you are NOT alone! Looking at ‘pressures’ as a gift will be a challenge and very foreign at first. Yet, as we know this truth, I believe we will be quicker to recognize that God is working and moving in and through us – so we can be thankful for the challenging pressure – and see it as an opportunity for great joy. We are having a chance to grow. LOL I get it! At times, we might feel like that garment that accidentally got in the washer, and we have been through the ringer only to come out ‘shrunk’ or the one washed and is now 'stretched out' – but I believe with all my heart, that God allows us to be shrunk and stretched so that our trust in Him strengthens and grows! So, if you are feeling like a T-shirt or a sweater, just know that you are being molded into that perfect fitting pair of jeans as we speak LOL

I am praying for you right now. Praying that you see whatever it is going on around you as a ‘gift’ to strengthen and deepen your faith and trust in Jesus. God alone hold the full-on power in ALL situations. Cry out to Him! Claim this promise over yourself and your family! That is one of the reasons He gives us His words in the bible in the first place ;-) Be well my friend! Be safe today. Be blessed BIG time!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jesus Calling May 25

Image
Jesus Calling May 25 th    Perfect! Just like it is - nothing more to add to it - it fits perfectly in my life today!! Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) For the  Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Psalm 34:19 (NLT) The righteous person faces many troubles, but the  Lord comes to the rescue each time.
Read more

How To Be Rich...In Good Works

Image
1 Timothy‬ ‭6:17-19 “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."      What an amazing passage!! Even if we are not rich by our standards or the worlds...we CAN be 'rich in good works'! Being generous isn't always about money. It can be time, conversation, love, kindness... Remember, when we 'do to the least of these' we are doing it to/for Jesus. Today, you have the opportunity to 'experience true life' - you do!! How? By being ready, on the alert, to help, share, do good for someone else. Some people may look alright on the outside, ...
Read more

What Does Twilight Look Like To You

Image
Isaiah 21:4 (NIV) My heart falters, fear makes me tremble; the twilight I longed for has become a horror to me. This chapter contains prophecies against  Babylon ,  Edom  and  Arabia . However, this verse jumped out at me for a different reason. First of all, I had a bit of an MEF (mind’s eye flash) of sitting on a porch overlooking the vast sky towards a big open space. Watching the sun set. Actually sitting there anticipating the setting sun and all of the colors that will be painted across the sky at twilight. How amazing and beautiful the sky becomes each and every night, as God uses it to create a magnificent canvas of art for us to enjoy! I am absolutely amazed each time I see His wonderful sunsets! Then the MEF changed. These verses reminded me of the times I have lost loved ones. How that beautiful night sky became a symbol of the fear, yes even horror of the night to come. The beauty might as well have turned to ashes at that moment ...
Read more

How To Avoid Meaningless Conversations

Image
1 Timothy‬ ‭1:4-5 “Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith."      Have you ever had a conversation with someone that feels like 'it's SO off track' or that leads to a debate of things that just 'don't feel right'? LISTEN to that Red Flag from the Holy Spirit! Excuse yourself, and walk away! Why? Because the enemy uses these crazy opinions & topics to dance around in your head and thoughts for days, weeks, even months ahead. Being a part of a conversation that gets so derailed from truth, is NOT good for anyone! If you cannot bring it back to truth, giving God glory - then leave.      For me, when people start telling colorful, inappropriate jokes, if I can...
Read more