We've had a rough few days. It seems that the Enemy is on the prowl. My dear friends told me this would happen. "Once you start proceeding with adopting, watch out. The warfare WILL begin!" And they were right.
One of my good friends gave me some sage advice about this, though. She said, "I don't want to live a life that Satan doesn't want to bother with." Amen, sister!
I think this is what Paul meant when he was talking about rejoicing in suffering and trials - you know you're probably walking with the Lord and doing some good kingdom stuff. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
Yesterday, my two older girls and I were hanging out doing some crafts. I can't really remember what happened, but I must have huffed about something because one of my daughters said, "Mommy, don't you wish life were super easy?" I thought about this for a minute, then the Lord brought to my mind the devotion I had just read that morning from Jesus Calling:
"Living in dependence on Me is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times, because they amplify your awareness of My Presence. Tasks that you used to dread are becoming rich opportunities to enjoy My closeness . When you feel tired, you remember that I am your Strength; you take pleasure in leaning on Me. I am pleased by your tendency to turn to Me more and more frequently, especially when you are alone." (May 2).
It was a blessing to answer my daughter with a confident "No".
If life were easy, why would we need Christ?
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23
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Great post. Funny, I was just reciting that same Psalm as I was trying to get to sleep last night. Over and over again. What a great reminder of the Lord that we need.
ReplyDeleteOh, girl, I'm there with you. We have experienced trials like never before in the last year that we've been on this journey. It seems like the harder we try to press on the more the enemy attacks us. Stand firm.
ReplyDeleteRead that same exact devotional too and was thinking the same exact things :)
ReplyDeleteooohhh!! Thank you for your thoughts!! It has been one of those weeks for me too! Praise God!
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