So many things in this world are clamoring for our attention. I don’t know about your life but I can tell you mine has been on speed dial for quit some time. There are times that we can all give so much to others and our task at hand, that we find ourselves empty.

During this journey with the Lord, we will learn things daily about Him. We will also learn things daily about us and others.  Sometimes those things are not a pretty thing to behold.  He is constantly refining us to be more like Him. Many times the lesson at hand is painful but we must go through it to deepen our roots and to be clothed with more of Him.

I truly feel like my identity is under great attack every day as the enemy bombards me with fiery darts and lies.   I have learned  that Satan does not wait until we are spiritually fit or physically fit for battle, he attacks when we are weak. He never gives us a break to catch our breath. There is never a cease fire.  He will  challenge us with many fiery missiles during our times of physical, spiritual or mental weakness. Sometimes we are emptied of all three at the same time.  He truly comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Instead of questioning why these things are happening, we should be asking, are we going to let him defeat us? Our battle cry should be… Greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world ~

So many times we are so concerned with what we look like from the outside. The opinions of others is something that we have to constantly battle on this daily walk.  In growing with the Lord, I keep wondering am I going to blossom into what He wants me to be?

Sometimes it is  so painful to grow when everybody is watching. Sometimes it is hard when the refining and pruning is going on by our Sovereign Lord. The critics and criticism and harsh words that can be said by others is loud and literally can level you to the ground. If we make a mistake, our Christianity is  the first thing questioned. Know,  we will make mistakes, but in our weakness, He is strong.  This is why our eyes should be focused on the one that is perfect and not on others. He is the only one that is faithful. He is the only one that extends amazing grace and endless mercy. In the times that I have been leveled by the enemy, I am so thankful that the Lord’s mercies are new each day. He delivers and saves us from our anguish because of His unfailing love.

The Lord has a way of whispering that  he is here every step of the way through the fire. Many times His confirmations are endless, we only need to lift our eyes up and see things from a different perspective.

The Lord tells  us in His word  that He and He alone appraises our true value and worth. He already proved his love for us and how much we are worth at Calvary.  He wants our roots to grow deep. He wants our branches to bear fruit. During the times when the waves over take us and knock us down or even pull us under, He wants us to know that though we are small, we have a Savior who walks on water. He will reach down and lift us up.  He will stand with us in the storm. His word says , blessed are the ones that take refuge in Him.

Each day, we are growing. We are growing because we are planted by the river of life. We serve the God of living water. With each passing mountain and valley and sometimes flood, we are growing strong and beautiful, ALL for Him. We are growing with each sound of his voice.

In the times of crisis, we have to stand and claim and repeat often that HE and HE alone is bringing out the beauty from the seeds that He has placed within us.  At times, we have to be still and know that HE is GOD. In the quiet still moments, He revitalizes us. He is wanting us to know that He is our hiding place. He will protect us in the times of trouble and He will surround us with songs of deliverance. Sometimes the music is in the form of an encouraging word from a  trusted friend. Sometimes it is in the perfect timing of His word. Sometimes it is in the beauty of His creation.  All the time He is telling us that with him on our side we will push back the darkness. We will have victory over these trials because we serve a God that is the light of the world.

We know that it is always darkest before the dawn. In those deepest darkest moments, lift your eyes and know that He is God. Know that out of all the people on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be His treasured possession. Deuteronomy 14:2.

A friend today posted these powerful words  and it fits so perfectly with what I am writing. “It’s awfully hard to not care what others think of us, especially of those we love and respect. But we must keep our ear pressed to the lips of God, and let His voice alone direct our path.” Thank you Cindy ~

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

Pastor Wayne Hilsden in Jerusalem  posted , “When we die to ourselves, we won’t feel a thing when people try to hurt us. Well, to be honest, I have not mastered this but with the steady hand of my Savior, I know he will keep holding my hand every step of the way until I do. It is so reassuring to know that He never gives up on us.  He is faithful.

May today we claim what He wants us to know… WE are His treasured possession, We have been chosen by the King, the king above all kings. The name above all names, There is no other name…. JESUS ~ The King who defines who we really are.