A Loving Reminder: Keep Going

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 NIV)

Some think that becoming a Christian means that we will not face trouble. At the first sign of trouble, they become easily discouraged giving up. Thinking, 'I am a good person, I serve, why is this happening to me?' 

We will face many trials throughout our lives, physical and emotionally. Jesus himself tell us that we will face troubles, but at the same time reminding us that we are not to give up because He has overcome the world. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

We need to condition ourselves to keep going. To keep it moving. To get up every time we fall.  God doesn't promise us that while we are in the world we will be trouble free.

He promises us:

He will never leave us

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV)

Peace in Him 

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

Strength in Him

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

Rest in Him

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1 NIV)

He will fight for us

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14 NIV)

Father, I come boldly before your throne, standing on Your promises!  We may be hard pressed on every side, but not crushed. Struck down but not destroyed! Father I lift up my lovelies that are out in the battlefield. I ask that you fulfill your promises over their lives. I pray that they be not afraid knowing that You are with them. I pray that You keep them in perfect peace. I pray that You strengthen my lovelies that are weary and in need of an increase in power. Give them rest where rest is needed. Let my lovelies be still as you fight for them! Father thank you for your promises. Your Word says that it will not come back void so we declare your promises over those that are in need of Your desperate touch! (so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)) Father I pray this in your powerful name, Jesus. 

A Loving Reminder: Encourage Yourself

Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. (Psalm 143:7-8 NIV)

So many of us find ourselves feeling like David did in Psalm 143. Feeling tired of waging in this spiritual war, and at the edge of sliding down into a pit. Needing a quick touch from God, a quick answer, and when it doesn't come speedily, our spirit starts to fail, and doubt starts to set in. 

What I love most about David, is that he encouraged himself. He had no problem saying 'Lord! Lord! I need you now! Come quick for I can't do this alone' (my paraphrase). But right after the expression of his pain, he would remind himself who God is! 

Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. (Psalm 144:1, 2 NIV)

Father, I come boldly before your throne, thanking you for your unfailing love. Father let us be more like David. When we carry our pain to you that we do it knowing, and reminding ourselves who you are! That you are our rock, our fortress, our stronghold, our deliverer, our shield. That you hide us in the shadows of your wings. That as we pray without ceasing, that we remind ourselves of your promises, of your unfailing love, and of our past victories. Father, I lift up those lovelies that have lost their hope, those whose spirit has failed. Let this morning bring them word of your unfailing love, let them put their trust in you. Let them entrust their lives to you and only You. In your precious name, Jesus, Amen!

Like You Promised - Amber Brooks

http://youtu.be/RIGdDTMWyZw