Power-filled Positive Living—Chapter 20A-Fully Alive to Joy in Christ
It had been 4 weeks since the surgery and yet, here I was still in the hospital and still unable to eat or keep down any nourishment. It had been a small bowel obstruction which required surgery to open. I had no colon because of the previous surgeries and the small bowel obstruction had caused the small intestines to be so stretched and swollen that there seemed to be permanent damage. It was questionable whether they would ever awaken to function again. I was the only supporter of myself and mom, I needed to get well. Yet, if you entered my room you would hear praise songs coming from a CD player and you would be greeted with a genuine joy filled smile. Why? Because I had learned over many years of sorrow, that God is Sovereign, God loves me, and God’s plan for my life is perfect. God was and is the source of my joy in the midst of every fiery trial. Don’t misunderstand me—I do still have my moments of doubt or my fears; but, they don’t remain long within my heart or mind. Why? Because God has shown me His Might, His Glory, His Mercy, and His love toward me.
original photo used by permission of Jim Peregoy
What I need you to see is that God loves you with a perfect everlasting love. He sent His only begotten son to pay the price for your rebellious, self-exalting heart so as to provide for you everything that you need to find full joy, hope, glory, and love in Him. In Christ, you have the power to live a life fully Alive. In Christ you are God’s Beloved, Blessed, Chosen, Redeemed Child.
In Christ, You are heir of God’s Kingdom, heir of all of God’s Promises, heir of God’s righteousness and joint heirs with Christ. In Christ you are declared a Saint because of Christ’s righteousness being freely poured out to cover your sin. In Christ, you have been given the Holy Spirit to indwell you, to comfort you, to strengthen you and to provide you with unique Spiritual gifts that can be used for the Kingdom of God.
“Ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof” (Joshua 23:14). So much of my Christian life I spent “dutifully carrying my cross” when Christ had already carried my cross. God wanted me to see that my joy was not dependent on circumstances and on things—my joy, my hope, and my positive living is found in Him. That is what I so want each and every one of you to know and to live. I want you to know that in Christ, you have the power and the victory over fear and depression. In Christ, you can live life abundantly. In Christ, you can awaken each morning in joyful anticipation of awe and wonder which will be yours today.
I am not saying that you will not face many trials, sorrows and difficulties along this pilgrimage journey on earth. What I am saying is every one of those trials are gifts that guide you ever closer to God—where you will find the fullness of joy you are longing for. You will find the love your broken heart desires in God’s presence. If I could take your hand and show you the marvelous wonder of that truth, I would. That has been the whole purpose of this book—to show you there is hope, joy and peace that can be yours. I spent so much of my Christian life burdened down by life, guilt, loneliness and a sense of being unloved. I thought every trial was proof that I was a failure and this was God’s punishment toward me. What a lie of Satan that was. The truth is every trial was proof of God’s love drawing me closer to His bosom where He knew I would find peace, joy and hope. Every trial came that I might learn how truly marvelous God’s love for me was. He has proven in the trials to be faithful and has kept His promises to me. In the trials, I was able to see His Glory shine forth with magnificent beauty. Life did not change; but, how I see life did. Thanks be to God—the source of my life, my joy, my strength, my hope and my unyielding faith. “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1)
Listen to this song: “All to Jesus I Surrender” I surrender all to Jesus, because in Him I have found life abundant—because of His grace toward me. I love Him because He first loved me and drew me. How amazing is that truth. Do you know His Joy, His love, and His Glory?
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects and to discuss pricing.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
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.