Saturday, March 01, 2008

Fight for your Faith

I'm in a fight for my Faith.

I wonder how many people feel this way?

So far in my walk with Christ, I haven't felt like I'm coasting through.

I'm at a point where I could go either way. Ever feel like that?

I'll be honest and say sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. Following Christ.

Don't get me wrong, walking with Christ is amazing and at times thrilling. But sometimes this old world pulls me down and I feel beat up.

Sometimes I don't feel like "rejoicing in my suffering" as Paul calls us to do. Sometimes I feel like numbing my suffering.

Sometimes it all seems like too much, the pain...

And then...

What I think is the most important verse in the Bible is whispered into my heart: 1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails

I've been pondering over this verse for days and I realize what draws me to God is His love. It's that simple, nothing more and nothing less. I'm convinced if it were anything else I would surely have fallen to the wayside by now. He's got me hooked with His love.

What keeps me hanging on is His love. Then you know what I found?

Romans 8:38-39 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Circumstance can't separate me from His love. Pain can't separate me, depression can't, fear can't, this world can't.

And so I fight for my faith with Christ as my intercessor. I cry out to Jesus and pour out my problems. I'm fighting because I'm not going to let my own neglect to remain Christ be the thing that separates me from God's love.

Where are you today? I call you to FIGHT for what is yours! Don't let the thief who comes only to steal, kill and destroy take from you what is YOURS!

My heartfelt prayer; Dear Jesus, It really is all about you! I'm angry, I'm depressed, I'm sad, I'm hurting... I don't want my mom to die. I want her to live. Dear Jesus, I'm hurting... I'm drowning and you need to throw me a life line! I trust you and I put it all back into your hands. Be with me today and everyday. I invite you into my day, may I feel your sweetness as we walk side by side.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Jennifer you are a 'sweetheart' and an inspiration. You post has blessed me. Part of the words of an old church hymn says, " and when the battle's over, we shall wear a bright and shining crown."

Love you,

Granddaddy Dykes

Alexzillasmama said...

Jennifer,
That was a beautiful and heartfelt post. I pray that you do feel that sweet presence of Jesus despite the circumstances.
Love and LOTS of prayers to you!
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Jennifer:

You must remember how much Jesus fought for you. His love reaches out to strengthen, comfort, and help today.

Read today's post on your Mom's blog entitled, "God,Where Are You?" He is there, just nudge over a little closer to Him.

Love, Dad

Shana said...

He is with you!

Your blog encourages me in my faith, as i struggle with caring for a man who is not a believer...and what to do.

Kelley said...

A friend sent your blog to me....and I am so glad that she did! Thanks for letting God use you to speak to me....it was something that I desperately needed today.
Lots of Love!

THOMBU1 said...

Jennifer, I wrote this in a time of trouble, the circumstances still too hard to believe. I felt as if the Lord was speaking this to my heart, I hope it encourages you. Your brother in Christ, tom

Destinations

In the depths of despair
Echoes of sweet mercy ring out
Filling my soul with hope again
As sure as the heartache
So is the voice of cheer
Calling out my new name
Chasing away my fears
Wondering thoughts surround me
Cluttering my minds dwelling place
Telling me there is no hope
And pain is all you’ll see
But in the midst of this great lie
Your voice of cheer breaks through my sky
And fills me with the truth again
Knowing what brought me here
To this time and place
Escapes my intellect, my thoughts unclear
I wish I knew how it all started
How all this fear and pain began
Why, oh why, my heart cries out
Why now Lord, why this?
My mind seems to shout
I’m taking you to a higher place
A place where you behold my face
A time where sadness ne’er appears
A time where pain is never near
I’ll fill you with a peace all mine
And keep you there till end of time
Don’t worry, don’t fret, I love you still
Be still and know I’m with you still
Please hear me whisper, I love you
I want to show you how much I do
You’re in my thoughts both day and night
I want to make it all alright
Please hear me whisper in your ear
Keep trusting me through all your years
I’ll never fail you, no, not me
I’ll walk with you eternally
Please keep me near your heart each day
And never forget to kneel and pray
Oh help me show the world, The Way
In my salvation every day
Speak words of truth and grace always
And I will hear you when you pray
Don’t fail me now with fears so deep
I’ll give you straight paths for your feet
Please walk with me on the narrow way
And I will uphold you by My grace
I’ll enable you to make it through
I’ll lead you there where your path leads to
And when you’re there my words will be
Well done my servant, look, it’s ME.

Susan Wales said...

Dear One,

I met your parents at Ridgecrest several years ago, and I was deeply touched by your mother and your dad . . . such amazing people. If I had only word in which to describe them, I'd say "joy." I have followed your mother's success as a writer, and I'm so proud of them.

It's so incredibly difficult to walk where all of you are walking at this time. Sometimes there are no answers. But I do know when nothing makes sense, there is Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him. He can heal your Mom. He tells us in His word, not to look at the circumstances! Of course, who would blame Jesus if he wanted her with him in heaven? She's so precious. Whatever the outcome, I know that you can trust him, and I know he will heal your hurting hearts, and that he will bring something glorious out of the circumstances.

My husband Ken and I are praying for all of you! Do not let your hearts grow weary, but trust in God for Jesus has overcome the world and death! And keep remembering, that one day, we'll all be together again in heaven and this time . . . it will be forever . . . for an eternity!

Love and Blessings!

Susan Wales

Susan Wales said...

Dear One,

I met your parents at Ridgecrest several years ago, and I was deeply touched by your mother and your dad . . . such amazing people. If I had only word in which to describe them, I'd say "joy." I have followed your mother's success as a writer, and I'm so proud of them.

It's so incredibly difficult to walk where all of you are walking at this time. Sometimes there are no answers. But I do know when nothing makes sense, there is Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him. He can heal your Mom. He tells us in His word, not to look at the circumstances! Of course, who would blame Jesus if he wanted her with him in heaven? She's so precious. Whatever the outcome, I know that you can trust him, and I know he will heal your hurting hearts, and that he will bring something glorious out of the circumstances.

My husband Ken and I are praying for all of you! Do not let your hearts grow weary, but trust in God for Jesus has overcome the world and death! And keep remembering, that one day, we'll all be together again in heaven and this time . . . it will be forever . . . for an eternity!

Love and Blessings!

Susan Wales

Susan Wales said...

Dear One,

I met your parents at Ridgecrest several years ago, and I was deeply touched by your mother and your dad . . . such amazing people. If I had only word in which to describe them, I'd say "joy." I have followed your mother's success as a writer, and I'm so proud of them.

It's so incredibly difficult to walk where all of you are walking at this time. Sometimes there are no answers. But I do know when nothing makes sense, there is Jesus. Keep your eyes on Him. He can heal your Mom. He tells us in His word, not to look at the circumstances! Of course, who would blame Jesus if he wanted her with him in heaven? She's so precious. Whatever the outcome, I know that you can trust him, and I know he will heal your hurting hearts, and that he will bring something glorious out of the circumstances.

My husband Ken and I are praying for all of you! Do not let your hearts grow weary, but trust in God for Jesus has overcome the world and death! And keep remembering, that one day, we'll all be together again in heaven and this time . . . it will be forever . . . for an eternity!

Love and Blessings!

Susan Wales

Anonymous said...

You are an INSPIRATION; I am praying for you and your mother.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I think you are visiting your family. I hope you are enjoying your time. I will continue to pray for all of you.

Susan

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, I know that when you read these comments, you will have spent time with your parents and sister. Coming home will bring with it a flood of emotions. I am praying for that time, as well as the days ahead. None of us are prepared for times like this.

God is our strength, a very present Help in time of need. I believe it and I have walked through similar circumstances with Him. Cling to that truth, and know that many are lifting you up daily in prayer for comfort and peace, and the grace to endure. May God bless you this day and always.

Anonymous said...

You don't know me but I found your blog through your mother's blog and I grieve with you. Thank you for being so honest about your feelings and struggles; you have no idea what an inspiration you are to people who happen upon your blog. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Yes, Jennifer, I am in full-time ministry and I have been plagued with those thoughts and emotions at times. God is faithufl and He will uphold you and your family with His strong right hand. You can't stop the thoughts but take them captive to the Word of God. You are a strong, young woman.

Barbara

worshiping warriors said...

Jennifer,
You don't know me but I have been reading your mom's blog and now yours. I don't know your mom either but I was referred to her blog by a mutual friend. I have been so blessed by reading both of your blogs. It's so good to hear real people, with real questions and real emotions, but with real faith in a real God. You and your family are now in my prayers. God bless you. Kayla Johnson