My son bought me a late Mother's Day gift a few weeks ago of a CD that I have been wanting. Before my week became a series of unfortunate events I found myself listening close and loving a song called, "War Zone." The first few lines go like this:
Until I get disappointed. Then my faith is tested and my trust in the One who usually is my Victory is shaken. And I hate that about me! If I struggle with perfectionism in any area it is predominantly in spiritual perfectionism.
I want to be strong in the Lord. . . all the time.
I want to hear that still small voice. . . . in all circumstances.
I read my Bible. . . every day.
Except for the day after my first disappointment last week.
In my head I KNEW that the Lord had a future and a hope for me. But my heart was not believing or receiving this truth. I prayed that the Lord would compensate for my own inadequacies and fight on my behalf.
But He didn't. At least not like I thought He should.
Out of my mouth and my heart came doubts and questions.
"Lord, why didn't you fight for me?"
Then the disappointment settled in even deeper. This time I had disappointed myself. I thought I was stronger than that. I thought I could withstand the storm and not be blown and tossed by the wind of my own doubt in God's goodness.
Those of you who possess the heart of Christ reached out with your own hearts of flesh full of His love and spoke encouragement into me. Because my own discouragement had put up a wall to receiving from God's word, He penetrated the wall through you.
My mom sent me a text with the same words from Jeremiah that I KNEW but was struggling to believe. But somehow, through her, His word penetrated my heart and tears flowed, and I believed that YES, He probably did have a plan for me and YES it was probably better than the one I thought was best.
Truth was spoken into me by other believers that maybe you might need to hear too. Our feelings and emotions do not redefine God nor do they diminish who He is.
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Revelation 1:8
What we believe and how we feel do not always match up. Doubts and discouragement settle in but the Truth never changes. Nor do our doubts and discouragement invalidate God's promises, plans and purposes for our lives.
These truths were just starting to run deep and dry up my disappointment and discouragement when wave two came crashing down. More about that in part 2 . . .
But this week you need to know that there is probably someone dealing with doubt and discouragement that you may run across. And maybe their heart is closed to God because they believe He has disappointed them. So they need to hear the truth from your heart of flesh that is full of the love of Christ. They may need prayer and you may be the only one available to pray for them.
So be His hands, and His feet, and His ears, and His voice, and His heart. . .
Be the Body!
I love this quote from "Loving People" by Dr. John Townsend
"Needs are not a curse, they are a benefit. They keep you connected to life and to others."
If you have no one, send me a message. I'll pray
Blessings to you!
Love, Rachael