Throughout his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul reminds them to rejoice in the Lord.  There are moments in this life in which you cannot help but wonder, How?  Yet, you see; he does not say rejoice in the pain nor rejoice in the trials of life; rather, despite whatever circumstance you face today, you can rejoice in the Lord.  In other words, because of Jesus Christ, we can rejoice in the love, comfort and grace of our dear Savior; even, if our whole world shatters around us.  We do not rejoice the evil, the pain, nor the suffering in and of itself; rather, at our darkest moment, we look up and rejoice in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, knowing He surrounds us with His Grace and love.

I cannot tell you how many times in this life, I have; at the end of the day, fell on my knees and cried, “God, I can’t do this anymore.  I am tired, the journey has been long. Teach me, Lord how to love you more and  how to get up again.  Then, in middle of the night; I awaken with a sense of peace and joy; as though, cradled there.  Often, a sweet hymn playing through or a verse of scripture.  With a thank you on my lips, I go back to sleep and in the morning, I get up again, read my Bible and feel strengthened.  Circumstances did not change over the course of the night; the difference came because the Holy Spirit filled me with God’s comforting love and strength, so that I might continue this journey rejoicing in Christ, whatever the circumstances.

REJOICE IN CHRIST, NO MATTER WHAT

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. Philippians 3:1. As Paul wrote these words, remember that he was in prison.  He did not know what his sentence would be.  Indeed, it could be death.  He knew that possibility remained real; yet, he tells this young church to rejoice in Christ, even if I am put to death.  Even if you face persecution, remember your joy is in Christ Jesus, not this world.  Cling to that! Hold fast to that truth, no matter what happens.

Jesus said,

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

NEVER TOO WEARY TO REMIND YOU

The remainder of Philippians 3:1-2 reads:

To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. ²Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

Paul insisted that he wrote this over and over; because, resting in the power of Jesus Christ remained the only hope to keep them safe from all the false teachers, those within the churches who brought them back under the fear and chains of the law, and those that cut the gospel message into pieces.

Rest in the truth!  Preach it to your heart when all the world seems to be falling apart around you.  Cling to the Gospel of Grace.  No matter what else happens, don’t forget this!

Perhaps, I too; must be reminded to never grow weary of writing, teaching and telling you that in Christ you have all that you ever needed.  Others ask me why I put so much time, energy, and money into this ministry with no returns.  Ah, but each time I think I will quit; someone writes me to say the message touched them.  Society would say, If God took pleasure in this mission, He would have blessed with large numbers of followers and financial success.  Rather, my prayer God use it to His Glory and if one person finds Christ, then, my labor has not been in vain.

AND WHEN YOU HAVE FALLEN, STILL REJOICE IN THE LORD

When you have fallen or the world crashes around you, remember this:

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endurefor a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Ps 30:5

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever  Ezra 3:11

FINAL THOUGHTS:

When you think you cannot stand or take the next step, ask Jesus to be your strength and your joy.  He will restore you, guide you and comfort you.  This I know; because, if He did for me with all my scars and flaws, I am certain He will for you as well.

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]When all is gone and your world shatters, Christ is your steadfast joy[/tweetthis]

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

I wrote and published Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley as a revised version in 2011 from the first writings I did in 2003.  If you want to know more about the books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

featured Photo by Michael Dam on Unsplash  Although the inscription I added

©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 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.

 

Why does God allow His children to suffer illness?  We plead with God as we watch a loved one battle cancer, heart disease, chronic pain, addictions, or even, mental illness.  Our heart bleeds watching children who battle against rare diseases, deformities, and cancers.  Our pleading prayers appear to our finite minds as unanswered.  Some try to say that God’s response shows that either He doesn’t care about our plight or that our weak faith binds His hands or the illness represents His harsh hand of punishment.  Nothing could be farther from the truth than these three thoughts.  Despite that, many false teachers prey on our hearts by suggesting that if we give them our money, they can heal us.  So, let’s consider; once more, why God allows illness in the life of His children?  Let’s deal with the 3 false statements above, displaying God’s truth instead.

ILLNESS DOESN’T MEAN GOD DOESN’T CARE

Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, lay sick.  When Jesus heard word of his friend’s illness, He did not go to Lazarus to heal him, nor did He speak a word which could have healed Lazarus; instead, Jesus waited.  Lazarus died, and still Jesus waited.  Why?  Did Jesus not care about the suffering of Lazarus or his sisters, Mary and Martha?  Certainly, the answer to that question is NO!

The scripture, in fact; says:

⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. John 11 (NKJV)

Did you catch that?  Jesus loved…so He stayed two more days before going to where Lazarus was.  In other words, because Jesus loved, He waited.  He wanted to show them something bigger, greater than they had ever known.  God’s Glory shown forth brilliantly when Jesus revealed His Power over death!  He waited so all could see a glimpse of God’s Glory. Look throughout scripture and you will discover that God often revealed Himself through suffering.

God remains more concerned with our spiritual health and growth than our physical comfort; because, He loves us and knows our joy in Him can only be fulfilled by our knowing Him fully.  Our hearts need to be transformed.  Pain and suffering exposes our weaknesses, our selfishness and our sin filled hearts.  These cannot be healed unless they are first exposed. God knows best what we need before we were ever born; to lead us and guide us into a place of perfect joy and peace in Him.  He ever so gently guides us into that intimate knowledge of Him; because, He knows only there can our spirit find rest, hope, and joy.

GOD’S RESPONSE TO OUR ILLNESS DOESN’T DEPEND ON THE STRENGTH OF OUR FAITH

Many modern-day teachers and preachers falsely proclaim a “prosperity” gospel, declaring that one can have all the financial gain and health if only their faith were strong enough.  Because our self-exalting heart desires that kind of message, they gather huge audiences.  We don’t want to hear the truth that our journey here will be filled with trials and tribulations; however, the good news remains that Jesus walks with us through each trial, providing us with strength, hope and joy in the middle of our trials.  The greater miracle shines forth as His Beloved Children trust Him and rise above the trials, lovingly reaching out to others in need with genuine smiles of great joy.

Paul the apostle suffered from an impediment for which he pleaded with God to heal him; yet, God said no.  Consider Paul, not someone of whom we could say did not have enough faith!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing, I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

The truth: Paul’s faith trusted God, even with the infirmity; knowing that God could do whatever He wanted and chose to not heal Paul, rather, to strengthen Him through the illness. Faith shines it’s brightest when a follower of Christ trusts God with all His or Her heart, even when facing the greatest heartbreaks of this world.

IS ILLNESS PUNISHMENT FOR SIN?

No! Certainly, there are illnesses which are direct consequences of our sins; but, that does not mean every illness God sends into a believer’s life came because of sin.  Indeed, illness exposes the sins of our hearts; however, even the most dedicated servants of God become ill.  That was the case with Epaphroditus.   The church of Philippi had sent Epaphroditus to bring money and comfort to Paul, while in prison.  Yet, while there, he became very ill “nigh unto death”; while, doing God’s work.  Paul grieved that this dear man became so ill.  The church at Philippi grieved as well; yet, now Paul rejoiced that God chose to heal Epaphroditus and he could now return to Philippi, rejoicing and bringing hope, joy and love to that young church.

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life Philippians 2:30

Or look back at the book of Job. Certainly, Job learned of God’s wonder and majesty through the trials; but, he had been a faithful servant before the trials.  Often, God sends trials to those who are most faithful; because, He wants to give them more of Himself

I PETER 2: TLB

²¹ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered^[l] for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.

²² He never sinned,
nor ever deceived anyone.^[m]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted,
nor threaten revenge when he suffered.
He left his case in the hands of God,
who always judges fairly.
²⁴ He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed.
²⁵ Once you were like sheep
who wandered away.
But now you have turned to your Shepherd,
the Guardian of your souls.

 

FINAL THOUGHT

I do not know what sorrow, pain or suffering you face today; but, I do know that God loves you and all He desires for you is good and He will work all things together for your good, if you lay it all at the foot of the cross.

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Because God Loves us, He wants to have a closer relationship with Him[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]No matter what, I KNOW God’s Plan for me is always good, all the time[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Illness trials & sorrows often bring us to the foot of the cross; where, we find peace and joy” username=”effiedarlene”]

 

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

I wrote and published Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley as a revised version in 2011 from the first writings I did in 2003.  If you want to know more about the books I have written:  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

featured Photo by David Cohen on Unsplash

©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 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.

Late 2002 into the spring of 2003, I faced the third major health dilemma when the doctor’s discovered a mass on my pancreas.  Because of my medical knowledge as a nurse practitioner; certainly, this news was grave.  After all, God walked with me through a very aggressive breast cancer from which I should never have survived, followed by a ferocious ulcerative colitis that ended in my colon being removed.  There appeared to be no break from illness for my wearied and now broken body.  All the steroids necessary to keep me alive during the ulcerative colitis, as well as, all the surgical scars, had left their toll on me.  Yet, by grace; God gave me the strength to march forward, to keep on working to support myself, and to rely on Him.  The road before me lay dark, treacherous, and uncertain; yet, I wondered what legacy would I leave behind.

Perhaps, God planned to take me home.  Remembering the lessons learned along this journey of God’s faithfulness, God’s love and God’s grace toward me; I began to write; formulating my first draft of Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley -for those who spend a lifetime in the Valley More as a letter to my children, my friends, and for anyone who might need to know–God is Good, all the time.  God arrives into the center of our valleys to draw us closer to Him; wherein, we find our joy, our hope, and our inspiration. I wrote from a heart overflowing with love; because, I wanted my children to know just how much God loved them–no matter what trials they might face in this life. Paul, from the uncertainty of his imprisonment; wrote letters, telling the church of Philippi to rejoice in Christ, regardless of the circumstances.

A LEGACY OF FAITH

Continue reading Legacy-What will be the one you leave? →

As Paul contemplated his future, he acutely considered that he might die a martyr for the cause of Christ. He knew that before he willingly obeyed God’s command to go to Rome.  Now, even more so as he sat in a jail cell, awaiting his sentence.  However, he continued to encourage the churches through letters.  Did he realize that all those hours as a prisoner would lead to our having the truth of the gospel explained with such eloquence today?  How much of our understanding comes from reading the letters written by Paul the Apostle?  Certainly, we recognize that the Holy Spirit working through Paul guided every word!  However, where did Paul find the strength to speak so often of joy in those dark, lonely moments?  He had found the truth of a greater love in life than life itself.

Because in Christ Jesus Paul found a greater love, he willingly sacrificed his life that others might live.  Had he not witnessed the stoning of Stephen, shortly before his own conversion?  Stephen gently, lovingly prayed that the people stoning him be forgiven? (Acts 7) Sitting in his jail cell, did Paul remember the radiance of joy and love that encircled Stephen’s face as he took his last breath? What part did that play in the preparation of his heart to then encounter Jesus along the road to Damascus?  He witnessed the power that greater love gave Stephen as he died proclaiming the gospel of Christ.  Then, Jesus came to him; calling him out to be the 12th apostle; although, he had been a persecutor of the early church and had not followed Christ when he walked on this earth. Yet, Christ presented himself to Paul and Paul immediately loved Jesus.

A GREATER LOVE IN LIFE THAN LIFE ITSELF

Paul’s encounter with Jesus along the road of Damascus allowed him to see Jesus as beautiful, Glorious beyond all else.  Therefore, Paul loved Jesus with a profound love that was greater than life itself.  Now, Paul understood the love Stephen had displayed.  Paul had seen a glimpse of glory and that was greater than anything he had ever known.  Furthermore, as Paul reflected upon his own zealous former life, he stood in awe of such grace that God would love him, choose him and commission him to preach the gospel to a world in need of God’s love.  Paul’s heart overflowed with love.  God’s love filled the heart of Paul to the overflowing with love for all–both these new young Christians; but, also for those who held him imprisoned.

God’s love growing within Paul’s heart filled him with the passion to spread the gospel.  He, then; began to see the world through God’s eyes; desiring that none should perish, but all come to find Jesus as their Savior and King.  Alas, his heart broke for the sinner so much, that he willingly preached the gospel to all; whatever the cost to himself.  He had found a greater love in this life than life itself–God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son.  That love gave him steadfast, abiding joy in the face of life’s storms.  Because of love, Paul willingly faced every trial; allowing the Holy Spirit to work through him to fulfill the purpose of God through him.  He did not know his letters would one day remain the foundation of the gospel message to the world-God’s message written through one servants willing hands.

WHO DO YOU LOVE MOST?

That question remains paramount in this journey we walk as Christians.  Does your love of Christ compel you to reach out to a world in need of a Savior?  Have you ever mourned for the eternity of another’s soul?  If so, what are you willing to sacrifice to lead them to Christ?  Can you say as Paul did?

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. Philippians 2:17

How to Really Find a Greater Love in Life

Seek and savor Jesus above all else; allowing, the love of God to grow within your hearts and minds, then, you will discover a Greater love in life than life itself.  Therein, you will discover joy, hope, peace, strength and a new life abounding with love that overcomes every obstacle or trial you face.

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]When Jesus Christ becomes your greater love, your life purpose changes[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]abounding love, joy, hope and peace are found in Jesus Christ[/tweetthis]

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

I wrote and published Ultimate Inspiration-God’s Plan of Love detailing the effects of discovering this greater love and answering a lot of the really tough questions regarding faith.   I would encourage you to get a copy of it or one of my other books.  You can find a link at: Book Resources.

featured Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

©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 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.

 

When walking through life’s journey as a Christian, we find it hard to balance between resting in God’s Unconditional love and reverently fearing our own failures to do His will. Throughout the letters of scripture, we recognize that our salvation cannot be obtained by the works of our own hands.  Therefore, we can only stand before God’s throne; because of Grace, clothed in the righteousness of Christ alone.  Yet, our salvation can never be a license to sin; it must be, at the same time a call to reverence and obedience before a perfectly righteous, holy God who hates sin and its evil effects.  Proclaiming God’s love and grace; without fully understanding His Wrath against sin only denies a part of His True Glory.  I, daresay; when we forget His Righteous and Just nature, we ourselves risk becoming complacent to the sin in our own lives.

 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life.  Philippians 2:12-16

BALANCE BETWEEN RESTING IN GRACE AND FEARING GOD’S JUSTICE

Continue reading How to Find the Balance Between Grace and Justice →