Effie Darlene Barba ⋆ Inspiring Joy in Lifes Toughest Moments

How to Know Strength in God with Freedom from Fear

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:1-2

We live in a world where trials come at us from all sides. Sometimes they come from within us. We see the obstacles and the difficulties. We look back at our own failures which haunt us with fear and sorrow. “If only” becomes a theme. Our hearts faint with the thoughts of our own inadequacies. Yet so often we fail to look at the one true source of strength—the Lord is my Rock. He who chose me before the earth was ever formed, knew me even then. With all my failures and inadequacies, He loved me and came to give His life so I might be His beloved bride. To know strength in God through trials with freedom from fear I only look to my Lord who is the horn of my salvation, my buckler and my high tower.

Of all days, Mother’s Day reminds me of His Grace through it all. When I recall my inadequacies as a daughter to truly understand my mother or show her all the love she deserved, I weep buckets of tears. Or to recall all the times I failed as a mother. Yet through it all it has been the Lord who is my rock and my fortress. He is my deliverer and my strength. When I see my children, I see the fullness of His grace. Despite my fumbling, He has led each of them to Himself. It is for that reason; I urge you to read Psalm 18 alongside I Samuel 2 and II Samuel 22. God has placed these words in His word repeatedly so we might understand He is our true source. We can truly know strength in God through trials and have full freedom from fear.

No enemy can ever defeat us who know Him as Lord.

Know Strength in God through Trials with Freedom from Fear as David did

Psalm 18 was written as per its inscription when David was first installed as King after so many years running and hiding from Saul. God had anointed David many years prior, but Saul in jealously tried to kill him. Hiding in caves, waiting upon God; David had learned who was His strength. He began the psalm with a heartfelt declaration of His love for the Lord who was His strength.

Many years later in II Samuel 22, near the end of his life, he again sang this song with little change. However, by then, King David realized he was incapable of loving God with the full depths he had declared he would. The more we know of God’s Grace and Love for us, the more we recognize our own inability to love adequately though we desire to love Him as He loves us.

During those years, David had failed God many times. Not only as King, but also as a father. Perhaps it was his own failures that prevented him from adequately guiding his sons. Examples set. Thoughts rampant with the doubts and shame sin leaves behind in its wake. With his own sin ever before him, he failed to punish Amnon after he had raped his sister. Bitterness then grew between Absalom and Amnon resulting in Absalom ordering his brother’s death. This resulted in the exile of Absalom who later overtook his father David’s throne for a time. David had to run for his life again.

Yet, God in his grace restored David. God chose Solomon to succeed David in the line of Kings leading to the true King Jesus. He also promised David that He, the Lord, would never take His spirit from Solomon. King Solomon did fail God for a time as well. God kept His promise.

It is ALL About God and Him Alone

To Know Strength in God through Trials with Freedom from Fear is all about grace and God’s unconditional love for us, His power and His strength. It is not about our ability to love Him, though that truth should break our heart with love for Him as well. That is when we truly recognize His love for us. Peter learned this fact only after He denied Christ three times. Then, Jesus called Peter aside to ask, “Do you love me with an Agape (God like love) to which Peter replied, “Not as I should, but I love you with all that I am able to which is so inadequate compared to yours”. We must not think too highly of our abilities. Only when we come to the end of ourselves can we truly give Him our hearts fully.

That was the case with Hannah as well. Her prayer in I Samuel 2 is very similar to that of David’s prayer. She was bitter, depressed, and not fully surrendered to God at first when we read I Samuel 1. Then, finally after praying, weeping bitterly, she surrendered to God’s will. Accepting whatever the future might bring, only then did she conceive and bear a son. Samuel went on to become the most influential priest, judge, and prophet. As such, we got a glimpse (though imperfect glimpse) of our priest, judge, and prophet King Jesus. Samuel went on to anoint both Saul and David as King.

Know Strength in God Through Trials with Freedom from Fear I Samuel 2: 1-10

And Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Psalm 18: 3-18 The Lord is All Powerful Giving Freedom from Fear

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also and came down: and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.

The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire. Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.

Why Would God Do That for Me?

David makes it very clear that to know strength in God through trials and freedom from fear is the result of God’s grace. Please note carefully these verses. Psalm 18:19-29

Note commentary in parenthesis are my words.

19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

(Why? He delighted in me-not because of anything I have done. It is by Grace Alone through faith alone in Christ alone).

20-21 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God.

(Though I have failed, I did not do so with malice toward God nor deliberate defiance. At times I lied to myself to cover my sinful desires as not so bad. But never did I purposely walk away. Always I wanted to follow Him. Despite this I failed so often because I wanted to do it by my own strength to prove to Him of my love. Surrender was not in my vocabulary at times. If only I would try harder. Then God would see how much I loved Him. Funny, how we want to gain Him by works. But when we realize we cannot; then, and only then does He take full control).

22-24 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore, hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

(His eyesight is the key. My righteousness is covered by the blood of Christ. David’s was as well, although he looked forward to the Messiah and we look back to the completed work on the cross. I am accounted as righteous in his eyes because I am cloaked in the righteousness of Christ. When God the Father looks at me. He sees the completed work of Christ covering my sin.)

25-27 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

(Only you Lord can transform my darkness into light. I cannot. Therefore, I plead you shine your light so I might see. This I know you do through your word. The study of your word and communion through prayer are what you call me to do. You do the rest.)

Because of all this, I can know strength in God through trials with Freedom from Fear

Look what David wrote in Psalm 18: 29-45

For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God? It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.

Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

As David Concluded: Psalm 18:46-50

The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore, will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

We know strength in God through trials and freedom from fear because He has said,

Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:9-13

So how do we live our lives to know strength in God through trials and freedom from fear?

Trust Him

Remember His kindnesses to you

Recall the salvation by grace He provided for you

Read His word, both morning and night—let it start and end each day

Pray continuously. Instead of listening to your voice all day long, talk with Him.

Never forget, this world is not your home. You are merely passing through.

All things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28-29

Of course, this is true only if you know Him as Lord and Savior of your life. If not today is the day of Salvation.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

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If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Do You See the Fields are White for Harvest for God?

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Please note: This post only has quotes from the KJV Bible.

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

Do You See the Fields are White for Harvest for God?

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9: 35-38 KJV

“When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36). This was not how it was at creation. But Sin entered the world. With it came, death, heartache, sorrow, pain, suffering and chaos. As Jesus walked about this world healing those whom He met; sorrow rose heavily in His heart. That is why later at the tomb of Lazurus, He wept with a harrowing sigh and loud wale. Sin’s destruction was the very reason He came to die. His love would not permit all to perish.

Even if only a few accepted Him, those few were enough to give His life to save them. Enough for Him to pay the price for their sin. His love demanding such. Yet, as He looked upon this crowd of broken hearts with spirits separated from the joy He meant for them to have; He felt compassion. If only they knew.

Who will be the laborers?

This task would require laborers. Those willing to take up their cross and follow Him wherever He leads them. Until this point in Matthew there had been a careful weaving of the facts proving Jesus as the true Messiah. From His lineage to David to the miracles presented. Fulfillments of Old Testament Prophecy presented an unmistakable truth—Jesus was the Messiah rejected by His own. They wanted a reigning King who brought peace, prosperity and freedom from prison. All this promised by Isaiah. Yet, now John the Baptist sat in prison. Pain, suffering and sorrow still filled the earth. Roman rulership still reigned. Yet, Jesus asks His disciples to look at the field white for harvest and pray for laborers to be sent out. Did they realize, He would then send them. God’s answer to their prayers was, “You, go”.

The Fields are White for Harvest—Look, weep, pray, and go

Is that not the plea to us today? Look around you. All the masses of people who do not know Him. Feel the pain, the sorrow, the suffering—look, weep for the sin that wreaks havoc on our world. Pray. And go witness wherever you are.

Certainly, we can look around us and see the brokenness. But does our heart break for what breaks His? Or do we just complain about their destruction of what is good and righteous? Not realizing we are just as broken as they. Our only salvation did not come from our own volition. Instead, it came with a very heavy price. A price paid by Jesus Christ Himself on the cross. So, as we look at Matthew 10, let us consider the cost of discipleship. Weigh it in our own hearts and answer the question. “Am I willing to pay the price to follow Him?” What will it take to have a heart like His?

Then Came the Call to Action

And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1 (NKJV)

He had them first see the crowd in their suffering state. Then, pray for them—preparing their hearts to be called. After that, He called them and gave them power. We too need these steps. Unless we truly see the lost as lost sheep in need of a Shepherd, a Savior; then we walk right past without a thought for them.

Then came prayer for the lost. Once the heart is opened by compassion for the lost, prayer provides a means of opening our hearts to action. We need the help of the Holy Spirit and too often we wander around forgetting we have this power within us. Our natural state is inclined to push Him aside, ignoring the truth of His power within us.

Though the Fields Are White for Harvest, There Are Risks One Must Accept

The initial trip for the Apostles was one of Training. Initially they were to only go to the lost sheep of Israel. Although given the prophecies and the fact they were Jews, this should have been the easier crowd. Go where you are. Sometimes though these are the hardest crowd—family, friends, and co-workers. After all, they know you with all your warts and mess ups.

These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:5-8 (NKJV)

Often we are rejected. The truth that Jesus is the Way, the only way often brings strife within families and friends. This is the harsh reality, they had to face. And we as well. If my desire is to be loved by everyone, I too will fail. Neither do I mean, we are to be harsh and brow beating. We are to present the truth in love. Yet, we must not compromise the truth. Even if we are rejected by those around us.

Jesus said to them

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39 NKJV

Wait a minute! Did not the Angels sing “peace on earth, good will to men?” They did. And Jesus brought the only hope of Peace on Earth, good will to men. But that was on the cross where He bore our sins. It was at a great cost to Him, but He is our only hope of Peace with God.

Jesus is Preparing Them for the Fields White for Harvest Yet to Come

Before the apostles would be able to carry on after Christ’s death and resurrection, they needed some training in faith. They needed to see the task before them. For that reason, He sent them without money or extra clothing. They would need to learn to live by faith for even their food.

Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food. Matthew 10: 9-10 NKJV

You will have to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment as well.

And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, see that your blessing of peace comes upon it. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. And whoever does not receive you nor listen to your words, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city. Matthew 10:11-15 NASB

Although the Fields are White for Harvest, there will be persecution

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Matthew 10: 16-20 NKJV

Wise as serpents, but harmless as doves. We need the discernment of the Holy Spirit always with us. As well as we need love, compassion, and mercy. These are only empowered by the Holy Spirit as well. If left to my own ability to forgive and show mercy. Well, that would not go so well indeed. Yet, despite that, we can expect persecution. By this I mean there will be those that try to lock us up or take away our jobs because we speak for Jesus. Don’t let that surprise you. In some areas of the world, to speak the name of Jesus may mean certain death.

Yet, what are we to fear as we labor for the fields are white for Harvest?

All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:27-30 NKJV

Yes, we are to take up our cross and follow Him. No. My cross is not my family. Nor is my cross my physical ailments. My cross is to die to my selfish desires, my pride, and my constant thoughts of me. We are to die to self that we might live to Him. Yes, this world is burdensome. But yoked to Christ, I know He lifts me up as He carries the burden for me.

A Poem for Today

Lord, Lift Me High

Chorus

Oh, lift me high above the fray

That I might see and go today

To Follow you, I must not stray

Amidst the darkness of this day

Your light to shine along the way

The world around so filled with pain

I cannot bear my tears restrain

Your heart dear Lord, in me remain

The Strength And love to always reign

Above this heart of mine, so vain

Chorus:

Oh, lift me high above the fray

That I might see and go today

To Follow you, I must not stray

Amidst the darkness of this day

Your light to shine along the way

Oh, help me Lord, my cross to bear

Die to myself, Become aware

That as I lift my heart in prayer

You lift away my burden, care

Your Spirit’s Joy You freely share

Chorus:

Oh, lift me high above the fray

That I might see and go today

To Follow you, I must not stray

Amidst the darkness of this day

Your light to shine along the way

So, Lord do not let me forget

The Grace You gave that day we met

Along this road, filled with regret

You paid for me my heavy debt

And freed my soul from any threat

Chorus

Oh, lift me high above the fray

That I might see and go today

To Follow you, I must not stray

Amidst the darkness of this day

Your light to shine along the way

Transform this heart that I might be

A beacon light that all may see

Your love shine from inside of me

By faith, You set the captives free

Their heart may then be filled with glee

by Effie Darlene Barba

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

How to Find Hope When Feeling Lost, Abandoned, and Alone

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Photo licensed from Goodsalt.com

How to Find Hope When Feeling Lost, Abandoned, and Alone

The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Psalm 34: 17-18

All those with hearts heavy laden come. Those broken by the stress of this world. Particularly, women who at times feel abandoned, alone in this world. At first, I wanted to address widows. But unfortunately, those feeling lost, abandoned and alone are more than just the widows or orphans. It includes all those who have been abandoned by husbands as well. Those who are barren and feel lost within their barrenness. Some are even married with families but feel so alone even amid the bustle of family and life. As I thought about this, I realized how often I have been there feeling lost, abandoned, and alone in this world. So, how can I write to you of this? Precisely that is why I can. I have walked in those shoes so often and have found the hope and courage to march forward. How?

It is out of the darkest brokenness that light begins to rise upon the horizon. Sounds cliche. But I have found it be true. The restless, lonely nights have often led me to the only true answers. I wish I could tell you faith always arose or that I kept myself always faithful to God in this journey of life. But I have not. I have faced the consequences of my own sin over and over again. Yet, out of the darkest failures, Jesus Christ’s love never abandoned. He never walked away to say done with her. Instead, He has wooed me with a perfect love that brought me even closer to Him. Those things I would have searched for in the past, are no longer even a temptation. At least not a temptation that remains beyond a fleeting second. For I have learned:

God Is There for the Lost, Abandoned and Alone

“Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
For your Maker is your husband,
The Lord of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
For the Lord has called you
Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,
Like a youthful wife when you were refused,”
Says your God.
“For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
Says the Lord, your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:4-8 NKJV

One day it was I found this verse. I realized there I was. Forget the shame of your youth and remember not the reproach of your widowhood anymore. How lost and abandoned I felt as a widow. Then to face my own failures as well. Could it be, God did not hear my pleas because of my sins? Or so I thought. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Often, we search from love out of our need to feel important to someone. It is out of our God given need for Him; but often we fail to see the truth. He is the love our heart longs for. He remains gently coaxing and guiding us to Himself.

Even when we search elsewhere. However, He does allow us the freedom to mess things up, while He watches on. Then, when we come to the end of ourselves, He takes the mess we made and makes it into something beautiful.

Foolishly, I thought if God really loved me, He would bring someone into my life that would love me with all their heart. Then I would not feel alone. Instead, my search for love only led to brokenness and pain.

Sometimes What We Think Is Suffering, God Uses to Cure

Over the years, how often, He would intervene to show me He was the love I searched for. Sometimes, it was too hard to see. Then, a series of illnesses broke my body. From cancer to ulcerative colitis, to chronic autoimmune pancreatitis. So many surgeries. Everything changing. Only then did as well as my heart’s longing for anything of this world. How miraculous was the fact that once I lost so much, only then I found Him to be all I needed. Every pain, tear, and moment of desperate sorrow brought me closer to Him. His plan? Guide me each step of the way, here and now, so I might be a light to those in darkness.

Out of those feelings of being lost, abandoned, and alone

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Was there never any suffering, how could I know of the abundance of His comfort and compassion for me? There in those darkest moments, I have felt His arms comforting me. My suffering then has been a source of understanding the suffering of others. It also gives me a glimpse of His love for me. He suffered far greater than I ever could. On that cross as I explained last week He was crushed for me. He loved me that much. Dying so that I might live with Him eternally. What love is that?

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. …For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10,17

Indeed, it is a privilege to suffer for His sake? After all, on that cross He felt lost abandoned, and alone for my sake. His suffering undeserved. In contrast, my suffering often comes from my own selfish heart. His never. His came from His selflessness and abounding love for me.

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake. Philippians 1:29

What to Do in Those Moments of Feeling Lost, Abandoned and Alone

Well, I wish I could say I never have those moments anymore; but that would be a lie. Yesterday, I felt restless, lost, abandoned and alone as I faced challenges of what to do concerning an issue regarding a piece of land. Memories flooded back of how often I had been lied to. The number of specialized attorneys who had stolen from me due to my trusting them. Yet, even in those moments, God had protected me. However, memories sometimes at first only recall the pain. We quickly forget how God protected us and provided for us despite the injury. What they meant for bad, He turned for good. It takes careful analysis sometimes to notice how protected you have been, even in those moments. At the end of the day, God was there guiding you and showing you the way through and out of every situation.

Then yesterday, God sent someone to show me the pathway forward. The times I had been lied to and stolen from now would show me the way to protect my sons so as not to face the same situations I had. Whatever had been my loss in the past would provide a clearer path for me to protect them. Regardless, God has blessed me in so many ways that whatever I lost was nothing compared to what He has given me.

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:8-11

Facing the Fear of Feeling Lost, Abandoned, and Alone

Since I moved to Mexico, I have been awaiting with great anticipation the arrival of my prayer chair, my books, and personal items. They are not worth even what I paid for their travel here; but, to me they are a treasure. Reminders of all the times seated with Jesus in the early mornings while facing severe pain from illness. Those hours and days of not knowing the future but trusting that future to Him. Early mornings sitting in my chair alone with Him was my solace.

Yet, the things in the moving truck are just that. Things, memories. How I have longed for the time when I could just sit and read my theology books. So many years I gathered and carried these books with me, waiting for that day. But truthfully, those things do not change the facts. I can still sit with Him and read the most important book of all—His Word.

However, yesterday, I determined that if indeed I believed He was going to bring them, then I must prepare their space. So, I did just that yesterday as an act of faith. Still, I am no longer anxious as to whether they arrive or not. If He chooses they will. And if not, I still have all I need—His Presence wherever I am. Also, I have His Word. Furthermore, I have so many wonderful Pastors to listen to on the Internet.

But how do I change those moments of fear, anxiety back to trust and faith. How can I be freed once again from feeling lost, abandoned and alone? Precisely that, I believe there are 7 steps to overwhelmingly overcome those feelings.

Number 1 Step to Stop Feeling Lost, Abandoned and Alone

Take a careful review of what may have been some act of sin, conscious or unconscious which may be affecting your current spiritual state. Unconfessed sin leads to your not feeling the full power of the Holy Spirit in your current situation.

the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

When for any reason, you are not experiencing these fruits, first look within. For me I realized, I had displayed a critical spirit. I had spoken words which were not edifying. This I had to confess and ask that God just please transform my heart.

Step number 2 to stop feeling lost, abandoned, and alone

Read God’s Word. Make it a habit to never neglect the reading of the Bible. It has the power to transform everything.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Only His word can open my eyes to see the truth of every situation. It has power. When we neglect to read His word, we lose the ability to discern correctly the situations around us.

Step number 3 to rid yourself of feeling lost, abandoned, and alone.

Rejoice in Him even in the circumstances, knowing that the trials of this world are only making us more like Him. Additionally, it is storing up treasure in heaven. This world is a split second compared to eternity.

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

2 Timothy 3:12

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Step # 4 to Overcome Feeling lost, abandoned, and alone

Remember what Christ suffered for your sake. Also, remember He does not allow any suffering apart from knowing how it will turn to something beautiful for you. Remember all He has done in the past. In other words: Remember Him. Focus your mind on Him, until He is all you see. Then you will remember His love for you and all that feeling of loneliness will fade away.

Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. 1 Peter 4:1

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

Step # 5 to Not Feel Lost, Abandoned, and Alone

Hold fast to all His promises to You.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:35

Sing to God, sing praises to his name;
    lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;
his name is the Lord;
    exult before him!
Father of the fatherless and protector of widows
    is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:4-5

He is our protector. As such, He is the righteous, just judge that oversees our case in every situation.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34: 17-19

Step #6 to not Feel lost, abandoned, and alone—Forgive others

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

Anger that is held within one’s heart is like carrying around some dead corpse that will rot from the inside out. You must cast it aside and cover it with the blood of Jesus Christ. God will revenge your case better than you could ever. He might even transform the heart of the other to know Him fully. Wait and watch to see what He will do.

Step #7 to not feel lost, abandoned and alone. Surround yourself with Him

Every quiet moment fill with praise songs, scriptures, and sermons. Do not fill your time with shows, songs, activities, and people that draw you away from Him.

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. I Corinthians 15: 33-34

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ. Hebrews 3: 12-14

In other words:

Be Careful little eyes what you see, lips be careful what you speak, and ears be careful what you hear.

Concluding thoughts:

I wrote this poem a few years ago, but the words are the same today for me. He is the answer when you feel lost, abandoned and alone. His love will fill you with His hope, joy, peace, and contentment if only you will let Him.

All Else I Count But Loss*

Amid the darkest, lonely night

When all my world came tumbling down

Your ray of hope a glimmering light

Reached deep within my soul

To draw me nearer to thy cross

To gaze upon thy face of love

All else, this world I count as loss

Besides you Lord, my one desire

Body worn from all the years

Of battles fought and battles lost

Despite the life so filled with tears

I find in you my peace, my joy

My Moments filled with guilt and shame

Your Love has held me tight

Never shouting, “You’re to blame”

You gave for me Your life

This world so filled with pain and fear

You are my hope and joy

I feel your heartbeat drawing near

Held tight within your arms

Your arms provide me strength and might

To face a brand-new day

And cradle me through each dark night

With hymns of wondrous praise

As I gaze back over the years

With all their ups and downs

I see the laughter and the tears

That led me straight to You

I thank you Lord, Your guiding hand

Has led me all the way

This life of mine as you had planned

On mountaintops and valleys deep

To draw me nearer to thy cross

To gaze upon thy face of love

All else, this world I count as loss

Besides you Lord, my one desire

Effie Darlene Barba

*Unless otherwise noted all scripture used in this post is from the ESV version.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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3 Darkest Hours the World Could Ever Know Bought Hope and Joy

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

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3 Darkest Hours the World Could Ever Know Bought Hope and Joy

Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 5: 1-2,8 –9 KJV

While hanging there upon the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of our sin. My sin and His love for me held Him to that cross according to the Father’s will. With a crown of thorns, symbolic of sin and death, He bore all the horrific pain from the cruelest possible beating. Crucifixion was a barbaric form of execution. While hanging there everyone mocked, laughed, and joked about His inability to “save Himself” from the shame. Yet, as they watched this, He prayed that the Father forgive them. He listened to the thief on the cross and promised Him paradise due to His faith. Then, He spoke to Mary and John, releasing His mother into the care of John. She needed His Salvation as did John. Then, suddenly, the three darkest hours the world could ever know came.

This darkness occurred as the wrath of God against sin was poured out on Jesus Christ, God’s Son. Was it so brutal, God even in mercy protected all those standing there from witnessing it all? Even amid their brutal mocking and jeers, God showed mercy. Those three hours of God’s cup of wrath being poured out on Jesus is more painful than anything we could ever imagine. No one could have borne watching the depth of pain He suffered there. The perfect righteous Son of God crushed beneath the weight of our sin, as God the Father willingly punished Him for our transgressions. No comfort came from the angels nor the Holy Spirit.

Those 3 Darkest Hours of God’s Wrath

We tend to believe that as God Incarnate, Jesus did not truly experience the pain as deeply as we would have. However, quite the opposite. He felt it more than we could ever imagine. Look at these verses in Nahum concerning the wrath of God.

The Lord avenges and is furious.
The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries,
And He reserves wrath for His enemies;
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power,
And will not at all acquit the wicked.

The Lord has His way
In the whirlwind and in the storm,
And the clouds are the dust of His feet.
He rebukes the sea and makes it dry,
And dries up all the rivers.
Bashan and Carmel wither,
And the flower of Lebanon wilts.
The mountains quake before Him,
The hills melt,
And the earth [b]heaves at His presence,
Yes, the world and all who dwell in it.

Who can stand before His indignation?
And who can endure the fierceness of His anger?
His fury is poured out like fire,
And the rocks are thrown down by Him.

Nahum 1:2-6 (NKJV)

Surely, one would say, Jesus did not face this degree of wrath. Yet, He did and more as He bore all the wrath of God against my sin and yours. Why did He sweat great drops of blood in the Garden as He pleaded with the Father to release Him from the cup He was to bear. “But, not my will, yours be done.” This for three solid hours during which the Father and Holy Spirit could not comfort Him with their love. He was the representative of humanities sin. That is why He cried out,

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 KJV

As the 3 Darkest Hours Ever Known to the World Ended

The ninth hour came, He cried out Tetelestai, “It is Finished”. Then

when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Luke 23:46 KJV

Suddenly the earth quaked violently. The Temple veil ripped in two. This at the the exact moment that the sacrifice of lambs was set to begin. Now the Lamb of God had paid the final sacrifice forever for humanity. No longer was the veil needed between God and Man or Woman. We have access to the Father through Him.

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever

Hebrews 6:19-20, 7: 24-28 NKJV

The 3 Darkest Hours Provides The Door To Salvation

For all who would receive Him, He is the only door to salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to the Father but through Him. Had there been any other way, God surely would never have sent Jesus. But there was no other way. We cannot earn salvation. The Law has shown us that. It magnifies the truth of our sin against a Holy God.

Yet, as Harrison Conley from Cottonwood church, so aptly pointed out.¹ Many stand outside admiring the door. Others guarding the door from intruders, yet never enter in. And some even knocking at the door. However, unless they walk through the door, they remain lost. But to walk through the door, one must lay aside all pride.

No work of these hands of mine could ever save me. The more I have known of Him, the darker I realize my own heart is. Those dark spots of pride, selfishness, jealousy, and the lack of perfect love. Oh, how I have always wanted to believe I was worthy of being chosen. However, life has taught me, it was grace and grace alone that allowed God to choose me to pour out His grace upon. I have nothing to bring to this table. Yet, He has saved me through the blood of Jesus Christ. And He is continuously about the work of my transformation into His image. How I long one day to have a heart like Jesus! Maybe not today, but one day I will.

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours the World has known—We Are Not Crushed

We are not crushed because He was crushed in our place

Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him;
he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:10 ESV

For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are constantly being handed over to death because of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal flesh. So, death works in us, but life in you.

2 Corinthians 4 (NASB)

What amazing hope and joy to know when afflicted, we cannot be crushed. Christ was crushed for us. He is there with us. We are being transformed so that the life of Jesus may be revealed through us to a dying world. Our suffering is a means of our glorifying Him through it. When I praise Him during my most painful hours, He is glorified.

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours of History, We can pray this the Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven;

by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered, died, and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the prophets….²

Amen.

² Nicene Creed // Faith at Marquette // Marquette University

And it is because of the 3 darkest Hours, we can sing this song by Graham Kendrick.

Please follow the words closely which I included to follow.

Please go to the youtube to see and press like as I am sure you will. This is a song by Graham Kendrick

Come and See

Come and see, come and see
Come and see the King of love
See the purple robe and crown of thorns he wears
Soldiers mock, rulers sneer
As he lifts the cruel cross
Lone and friendless now he climbs towards the hill

We worship at your feet
Where wrath and mercy meet
And a guilty world is washed
By love’s pure stream
For us he was made sin
Oh, help me take it in
Deep wounds of love cry out ‘Father, forgive’
I worship, I worship
The Lamb who was slain.

Come and weep, come and mourn
For your sin that pierced him there
So much deeper than the wounds of thorn and nail
All our pride, all our greed
All our fallenness and shame
And the Lord has laid the punishment on him

Man of heaven, born to earth
To restore us to your heaven
Here we bow in awe beneath
Your searching eyes
From your tears comes our joy
From your death our life shall spring
By your resurrection power we shall rise

Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1989 Make Way Music,
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours, Jesus bought for us Hope and Joy in Him if only we believe

What more can I say than this. Do You Know Him as Lord and Savior of your life? If not, accept Him today. I can say, “You will never regret knowing Him. He will transform your life in ways you could never forget. The 3 darkest hours the world has ever known paid the price and bought hope, joy and salvation for all who believe in Him.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

7 Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed in His Journey to the Cross

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The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

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7 Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed in His Journey to the Cross

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

Every day from every angle, we face trials, heart aches, pains and suffering within this world. Yet, all we who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, have hope. That hope, anchored by faith, allows us to face every trial with Joy, knowing the victory is ours. Because of the victory Jesus displayed for us, there is no reason to despair. Oh, how I loved my hours with my patients at the Veterans Administration Cardiology Clinic and my co-workers. Although, now retired, I think of them. Their valor, honor and courage always give me courage to march on whatever battles are thrown before me. There I watched and learned from those who with broken bodies and hearts, demonstrate the greatest faith, love, and even joy in life. They had walked roads I could not even imagine. Yet, their valor and love for God shined through everything they did.

Even more, I learn from the lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed while on earth. This goes beyond just His written word left to encourage. It is God Himself, showing us the way through His own journey to the Cross. So, on this Palm Sunday, let us look unto Jesus the Author and the finisher of our faith. He endured the cross, with all the pain and shame of it, out of love for everyone. Knowing that not all would accept His gift of salvation. However, for each one who does, the victory was won for them. “Tetelestai!” It is finished. There is no other work needed to claim this victory Jesus displayed and won for all who would believe.

Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed on Earth

Sometimes I think we underestimate the depth of suffering thinking it was less than it was. After all, He is God who came to earth. However, His Suffering was greater than any pain you or I can ever face. He is the perfect, righteous, Son of God who laid down everything to walk in Human Flesh that He might be the perfect Savior. His suffering was unmeasurable in human terms, although it was in human flesh He suffered. Imagine the temptation of knowing at any point, He could call a legion of angels to rescue Him. At any point, He could say, it is not worth it. When Peter stepped forward with a sword to defend Jesus, these were the words Jesus spoke,

Then said Jesus unto him, “Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?” Matthew 26:52-54

Imagine any situation where you could immediately walk away and not look back. How much harder would that be to go through with it? Could you? Would I? Particularly, If I knew the depth of pain marching forward would be nearly more than I could bear? How many would just walk away? Yet, for the joy of saving all those who would believe in Him and His overwhelming love for them, Jesus marched steadfastly forward. Although, the Garden of Gethsemane displays how hard that choice was. Yet, He made the choice anyway.

Therefore, let us go back and walk the journey to the cross to learn the lessons for victory Jesus displayed along that journey.

Lesson #1 to Victory Jesus Displayed: Tried to Prepare Those He loved

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. John 12:24-28

Jesus began to feel the weight of what was coming. Naturally in His humanity, He desired not to have to face it.

Perhaps the best I can compare is as I knew of the breast cancer, I told my children I would have surgery and then chemotherapy. But I never told them of the severity of the cancer nor its potential death sentence. I kept all that to myself and God in prayer. Would it have been better to discuss it and allow them to ask questions. After all that was what Jesus did with His apostles; but, even then they did not understand.

Perhaps, it is best for us to be open with those around us to the best we can. Still, as did Jesus, accept whatever God determines is best as truly best. Then, we lay aside the worry given those we love an anchor to hold regardless of what storms come. No fear, only trust in the wonderful, merciful, powerful hands of God the Father.

Lesson #2: Victory Jesus Displayed During His Triumphal Entry

When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with it. Untie them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them on immediately.” Now this took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:

“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold your King is coming to you,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:1-5

The crowd thought that He came to free them from the Roman rule. Little did they know, before they can be freed from human rule; they needed to be freed from their own sinful nature. They cheered Him along the way into Jerusalem.

And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Luke 19:37-38

Yet, He knew the truth of their hearts. They wanted the miracles here and now. Truly it was not salvation from their own sinful hearts that they desired.

For that reason:

when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. Luke 19:41-46

He did not lose sight of His true mission. Never did He let the applause of the crowd deter Him from the course.

What about you and I? Do we let the crowds alter our course? Does pride and the desire to be approved by others alter our mission toward God’s Word?

Jesus did not come to overthrow the Romans. Not at this time. He came to overthrow the evil apostasy within the hearts of His people. But to do so, He knew He would have to pay the price for their sin. Immediately the crowd began to turn against Him for not doing what they wanted Him to do. He came to give them eternal life and eternal freedom from the wages of sin. They only saw the here and now.

Lesson #3: Victory Jesus Displayed – Service and Humility

Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God. He riseth from supper and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. John 13: 1-16

How quick are we to cast aside a brother in Christ rather than wash his feet?

Lesson #4: Victory Jesus Displayed as He Prepared those He loved

In John 14 , 15, and 16, Jesus reminds His apostles the Comforter coming. He tells them He must leave for a while. His departure is fully for them. Only if He leaves can the comforter come. They do not understand that He will die to pay the price for their sin. He will rise again with Victory over death and sin. Only then, can they be justified by His blood. This they did not want to hear. So, they closed their ears. But He kept telling them in many ways.

In John 15, He urges them to abide in Him as the sap that feeds them. This is regardless of the circumstances surrounding them. When the vine is healthy, so is the fruit. He is the perfect, righteous, powerful vine filled with mercy, love, joy, hope and faith. What else could they need? He taught them this the night before He would die. Facing the most unimaginable truth of what was going to be His fate tomorrow, He spent hours preparing them.

We too must lay aside our fears and worries concerning what others might say or do to us. Instead, speak truth and light into the darkness around us. Our love must urge us to tell our children and friends, He is the only most important One to know, love, and adore. He is our strength, hope, joy, Savior and Lord. Only in Him is fullness of life. We must tell everyone we meet of who He is. That is the greatest mission we can have in this world. Nothing else matters as much as Him.

Lesson #5 Victory Jesus Displayed in His prayer for us.

John 17 is a prayer bidding for the Father to protect all those who would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. He asked for God’s joy, love and glory to be shared with us who deserve none of it. It is such a beautiful prayer, placing the Father and Us as more important that Himself. I recommend you read this prayer every day until it is burned into your hearts and mind. How often do we when face pain, sorrow, or suffering only plead for our own comfort? Do we pray for the protection of those whom we love, knowing He can provide their every need better than we can?

When I truly believed I might die, my prayer became focused on my children. I knew God could provide for, teach, and guide them better than I ever could. In the end, He did not take me home. But, if He had, I was fully at peace, He would provide. Do your trust Him with your family and friends?

Lesson #6 Victory Jesus Displayed when facing His greatest trial and temptation

Jesus in His prayer in the garden of gethsemane displayed how to truly surrender everything into the Father’s Hands, trusting Him completely. The greatest agony Jesus was to face would be the three hours when the Father poured out all His wrath against sin upon His son. Meanwhile the Holy Spirit withdrew also as He could not comfort Jesus during those hours. He could not enwrap Jesus in His Father’s love and joy. Jesus knew this was what He must face. Never separated from the Father’s love.

This trial was unimaginable. Temptation to call down legions of angels to release Him from this. Furthermore, He was forsaken by everyone except John and His mother. Beaten to beyond recognition; His body ripped apart. Dehydration would ravage His human flesh. Agony beyond agony. And He knew what He was facing as He prayed.

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. Matthew 26: 36-46

What does this mean for us?

The cup He spoke of was the cup of God’s wrath which is described in Psalm 75:8, Isaiah 51:17, Jeremiah 25:15-1 and Revelation 14:10. Always it refers to God Justice, Holiness, and Righteousness that could not tolerate sin. He knows that it is sin that destroys everything else, fracturing our relationship with His Goodness.

Yet, in the face of such temptation and suffering, Jesus Christ submitted fully into the will of the Father. Knowing the Father intimately, He trusted Him with all His heart and being. So can we. No trial nor temptation we face will ever match that of Jesus. Complete surrender to the Father’s will give us victory, hope, joy, and peace.

Lesson #7 Victory Jesus Displayed as He was Betrayed

Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none.Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. John 18: 4-13

Now having fully surrendered to the Father’s will, Jesus is bold and marches toward the soldiers. 600 soldiers could not hold Him if He was not surrendered completely to what the Father desired of Him. His strength and willingness to go shocked the soldiers. Furthermore, He said I AM the great I AM He whom you seek. Do not touch any of these men and let them go. They did let them go safely.

Conclusion:

15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba,Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8 NKJV

All who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can experience the Victory Jesus Displayed, by fully surrendering to His will. He is everything you will ever need.

*All scripture used today is KJV unless otherwise denoted.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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How to Cling to Jesus, Avoid Apostasy and Affirm True Faith

BSB (BEREAN STUDY BIBLE)

The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially dedicated to the public domain as of April 30, 2023.

English Standard Version (ESV)

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Know Strength in God through Trials with Freedom from Fear as David did

It is ALL About God and Him Alone

Know Strength in God Through Trials with Freedom from Fear I Samuel 2: 1-10

Why Would God Do That for Me?

22-24 For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore, hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.

So how do we live our lives to know strength in God through trials and freedom from fear?

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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Who will be the laborers?

The Fields are White for Harvest—Look, weep, pray, and go

Then Came the Call to Action

Though the Fields Are White for Harvest, There Are Risks One Must Accept

Jesus said to them

Jesus is Preparing Them for the Fields White for Harvest Yet to Come

Although the Fields are White for Harvest, there will be persecution

Yet, what are we to fear as we labor for the fields are white for Harvest?

A Poem for Today

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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God Is There for the Lost, Abandoned and Alone

Sometimes What We Think Is Suffering, God Uses to Cure

Out of those feelings of being lost, abandoned, and alone

What to Do in Those Moments of Feeling Lost, Abandoned and Alone

Facing the Fear of Feeling Lost, Abandoned, and Alone

Number 1 Step to Stop Feeling Lost, Abandoned and Alone

Step number 2 to stop feeling lost, abandoned, and alone

Step number 3 to rid yourself of feeling lost, abandoned, and alone.

Step # 4 to Overcome Feeling lost, abandoned, and alone

Step # 5 to Not Feel Lost, Abandoned, and Alone

Step #6 to not Feel lost, abandoned, and alone—Forgive others

Step #7 to not feel lost, abandoned and alone. Surround yourself with Him

In other words:

Concluding thoughts:

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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Those 3 Darkest Hours of God’s Wrath

As the 3 Darkest Hours Ever Known to the World Ended

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours the World has known—We Are Not Crushed

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours of History, We can pray this the Nicene Creed

And it is because of the 3 darkest Hours, we can sing this song by Graham Kendrick.

Because of the 3 Darkest Hours, Jesus bought for us Hope and Joy in Him if only we believe

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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Lessons to Victory Jesus Displayed on Earth

Lesson #1 to Victory Jesus Displayed: Tried to Prepare Those He loved

Lesson #2: Victory Jesus Displayed During His Triumphal Entry

For that reason:

Lesson #3: Victory Jesus Displayed – Service and Humility

Lesson #4: Victory Jesus Displayed as He Prepared those He loved

Lesson #5 Victory Jesus Displayed in His prayer for us.

Lesson #6 Victory Jesus Displayed when facing His greatest trial and temptation

What does this mean for us?

Lesson #7 Victory Jesus Displayed as He was Betrayed

Conclusion:

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

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