In Times Of Spiritual Adversity

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." 

(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I come to you this morning with much on my heart and mind. So much, in fact, that I don't even know where to begin...and that's the problem in most areas of my life right now...I'm so overwhelmed with so much that I want and need to do that I don't know where to begin, so I don't begin at all! I feel that I honestly don't accomplish anything!

I think...I plan...I want to do...I need to do...but it's like I'm paralyzed in practically every area of life. I have so much that I want to share with you all, but, most of the time...especially when I sit down to write...I spin my wheels and come up with nothing but drivel. But this has not always been the case...

Several years ago I was asked to take over a wonderful online ministry, which I did, and it lasted for years. It was a beautiful season of coming together and sharing with other women who had a real heart for the things of the Lord. From there one thing led to another and, eventually, I was asked to be a regular contributor to a Christian women's publication (Making It Home magazine) until, unfortunately, it folded. About six years ago, through a series of events that were beyond my control, everything came to screeching halt in my personal life and, since then, it's been like pulling eyed-teeth to get two thoughts together in coherent fashion and get them down on paper or in type.

This morning, as I read the above verses, it struck me...to comfort others who are going through tribulation...that is what I most desire to do! But that is the very thing that I've seemed to have lost the ability to do. Somehow, in the midst of all my own trials and tribulations I have lost my way and I am now the one who has become needy. Instead of being the one who is there to lend a helping hand to one who needs it, or to offer a word in season to one who is hurting, I am now the one who always seems to be falling apart and am the one needing the helping hand...which is fine...we all go through those times of being the one in need...that is what gives others the opportunity to come along side and receive a blessing...but there's a difference between getting down and needing a helping hand up and getting down and staying there.  

"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again..."

(Proverbs 24:16)

God doesn't guarantee us trouble-free lives, but when adversity and setbacks occur in our lives, we should be able to bounce back up due to the fact that God Himself is the One lifting us up and out of them, but, oftentimes, as more and more things begin to pile up, too many times we begin to drown in our sorrows...and that is where I've been.

Is it God's fault? No...it's mine. Instead of keeping my eyes on Jesus and continually turning to Him, I have allowed the enemy of my soul to come in and whisper his lies to me. I've pulled away from the One who can sustain me, and, in doing so, like Peter, I have begun to sink beneath the waves of distraction, discouragement, and depression.

Well, no more! As of today, I stop listening to the lies of the enemy and I, once again, set my face like a flint and move forward in victory. I will no longer allow the enemy of my soul to make me believe that my best days are behind me and that I no longer have anything to offer anyone. As of today I will do and share whatever the Lord lays on my heart to do and share with whoever cares to receive and/or hear whatever it is that I have to share. I refuse to allow Satan to have victory over my soul!

"For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed."

(Isaiah 50:7)