“He is forcing you to need Him each and every day as you move forward with the faith you will need to be in peace. The easier road, and the one I know I would have wanted to travel, is the one that ended with a great test result, close the chapter, and move on. Instead, God is saying, "I took you through this fire to let you know I was with you then and I will continue to be with you. Trust me."'
These were the words from a dear friend who has been supporting me through my latest trial with words of wisdom and encouragement. As I read her message, I felt her embrace reaching me through cyber space as the visible manifestation of God’s presence next to me. I thought how this is the way of God, and what a marvelous way it is! He uses His children to reach out to us in the hour of our greatest needs. This is how He provides, but placing His representatives on our path. This is how He shows us that we don’t have to fight our battles alone.
My friend showed me this truth not just by her own inspired words, but also by pointing out His Word as she led me to:
Romans 8:26-27 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness for we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words can't express. And he who searches our hearts, knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
She found great comfort in this passage herself, as she goes through trials of her own right now as well. So meditating on the unfathomable promise of the Holy Spirit praying for us, caused her to pause in praise.
“Even when I wasn't praying for what I needed, the Holy Spirit was. Wow. God knows we won't be strong all the time. He knows we will have many times of struggle but He will never leave us. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be there for us to intercede in our not-so-perfect, failing behavior. When we aren't praying what needs to be prayed, the Holy Spirit is…Blew me away.”
All I have to add to that is, “Amen, sister!”
He is Jehovah Jireh, God the Provider. He is Jehovah Rapha, God the Healer. He is Jehovah Shalom, God of Peace. He is Emmanuel, God with us.
As I receive an amazing show of support from all my friends, I felt convicted since I have not been the friend I should have before to those around me who needed comfort and consolation. But another dearest friend, who also had to walk through intense fire not so long ago, kindly said to me too: “it's your time to take care of yourself and let others take care of you however way they can. This is God's work, sending you help and care. Take it!”
He promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us in our hour of most need. (Deut. 31: 6) Today, I rejoice in the fulfillment of this promise.
Linking with: Simplyhel Hing Him and Whole Hearted Home
Bless your dear heart. I do not know what you are going through at this time, but I can surely relate to walking through the fire with Jesus. I have experienced first-hand that He is always in the fire with me. He never leaves. And though we may find cruel thorns in our pathway, His great heart is moved with compassion on our behalf, and He sends relief just when we are nearing unbearable. I trust He will continue to minister to you in a precious way as you walk through this valley. May His peace continually fill your heart. Glad I found you through the link-up today. Love, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thank you SO much for your encouraging words. Your prayers are so appreciated and yes, He is in the fire with us...even if sometimes we are so distracted that we don't see Him...He is still there, and besides His own presence, He sends us those who will offer their comfort on His behalf..what a wonderful Lord and Savior we have!
DeleteStill praying for you my sweet friend! Those verses from Romans 8 are some of my favorites as well. So many times I sit down to pray and the words won't come. I know the right prayers are getting where they need to be just by having that alone time and focus on God... Take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteThank you Candace, I truly appreciate your words and visits to this blog. I'm praying for you and your dear children too!
DeleteA time many years ago I was going through a valley and I couldn't pray and didn't even know what to pray for but others were praying for me as was the Holy Spirit. In our 2:7 group we memorized scripture and on that I always and call on if Proverbs 3:5-6
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, June, memorizing Scripture is one of the most effective tools we have to fight our battles! Thank you for sharing your favorite one here with us. I really appreciate your words and you stopping by to visit.
DeleteI always love your posts and this one didn't disappoint me! I loved the verses you shared. Never Alone is also a hymn that for years made me cry every time we sung it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit Judith and for hosting the linkup. We are never alone! God has given us His Son, The Holy Spirit and each other. Hugs!
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