When trials and conflicts confront us from every side; it is difficult to stay the course and to press on. We must stop for a moment to reassess our motives and our goal. By examining our heart, we can find the strength to continue the course or the wisdom to find a new path within God’s Will.
An recent example
These past two weeks, I have had some technical issues with my website that required a lot of time and money to fix. Once more, I had to reassess my reason for having this site and what my desires and goals are for continuing this website. It certainly has never been money; as, I receive no compensation or financial gain from it. No advertising, no sales, and no donors. Every penny to maintain the website are my own expense.
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
It began back in 2010, when I realized that God had so ordained my life to be a testimony of His Grace, His love and His mercy. Through many trials that I walked including abuse, failed marriages, widowhood, illness, and financial distress; He had prepared me to reach the lost, the lonely, and the suffering. So, I began writing to tell others my story; hoping that in that, God could reveal Himself to anyone He chose to. Most of my readers, I will never meet; but, God knows each one by name.
over time
As time went on, I began to do Bible Study series through books of the Bible or message series as I felt lead by God to do. Because I want God to lead the way, I have spent a lot of time in prayer before choosing which book of the Bible or series would come next. It has been amazing how God has been so faithful! When, I myself needed an answer to a question; often I found that it was right there in the next verses I would be teaching. The same was true today. Our next verses to study in this series are:
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:1-3
PAUL’S CONFLICT AND DESIRE
Especially noteworthy to see from these verses that Paul spent hours in prayer and writing for people he had never and would never meet. As I read these verses, I was reminded of all the hours I spend in prayer for every one of you. I may not know each name; but, God does. I desire that your hearts are comforted by God’s words as His spirit opens your eyes and reveals His truth to you. I pray that you know that you are loved and that all who know Christ as their Savior are part of the same family. That each of you are brothers and sisters to me; and, I love and pray for you as such.
MY DESIRE FOR YOU
It is my deepest desire that you know the riches of your inheritance in Christ, which is beyond anything that you could find on this earth. Additionally, I want you to know with assurance the gospel message; never doubting that by accepting Christ as your Savior, you are redeemed. I pray God reveal to You the mystery of Salvation, the truth of the gospel message, and the beauty of His Glorious Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
Finally, I want you to discover the treasure that is yours in Christ. For in Christ, you are the Blessed, Redeemed, Chosen, Beloved Child of God-heir of the kingdom. In Christ, you are declared righteous forevermore. In Him, By Him and Through Him you have everything you could ever need.
CONCLUSION:
Because of all this and most importantly, because I believe God is drawing me to; I will keep writing. To each of you who stop by this page; let me say, you are in my prayers and God knows your name.
In Conclusion, if you are facing a lot of trials and conflict in your journey.
- Stop for a moment, pray, and consider why you first started the task or journey
- What was your goal then and what is your goal now? Did it change?
- Ask God to reveal to you the truth buried within your own heart.
- Write down your desires and goals for the task at hand and consider is it worth continuing forward or is God leading you in a new direction
- Once you determine that the goal is worth the cost; keep going forward and let God lead the way.
[tweetthis]When facing conflicts, stop & take a moment to remember your original goal[/tweetthis][bctt tweet=”If the goal of your heart is born out of love for God; then, let Him worry about the trials.” username=”effiedarlene”]
Photo used courtesy of: https://unsplash.com/@alxwlfe
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. 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.