POWER-FILLED POSITIVE LIVING-Chapter 19B-One Step at a Time
Where is the power to live a life filled with hope and joy in the midst of so many trials? How do we choose love, when every chose to love leads us to being vulnerable and broken hearted? How do we stand strong and victorious in life’s battles when our scars, each one, reveal how truly fragile we are? Certainly, it is not by my own might or power that I can just proclaim that “I am happy. I am good. I am strong. I am beautiful.” Indeed, when I stand before a mirror and gaze at my own reflection there; I see a body that has been broken down by scars and eyes that have grown tender from having seen so much sorrow in this lifetime. Not the picture of someone who can move mountains.
Yet, in Christ—because of all that He has done for me and all that He has given me; I can arise each morning filled with Joy, Hope and Love to begin today. The mountains of obstacles may stand before me as insurmountable; but, God only asks I take His Hand and step one step at a time.
Like David wrote,
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—“
(Psalm 121, NIV)
There are those moments in this life, that all one can do is to take one step in faith, then follow that with another one step in faith. We do not climb the mountain with one leaping jump to the top. Instead, we put one foot in front of the other—sometimes clinging with all our might. Our hope is not anchored in our own ability to hold tight. Our hope is based on God, who has promised that He will not let go. Our joy is found in His abiding presence through our darkest storm. His loving hands wrap around our broken hearts to bring the healing we need. It is in Him, that I find rest when my soul is wearied from the struggles of life. In Christ, I am redeemed from the wages of sin. No longer guilty, I am His Beloved. I am blessed beyond measure and heir of all His rich promises; both on earth and one day in heaven with Him. In Christ, I am God’s Glorious, victorious Saint. He has set me free from the power of sin; by removing the chains of sin’s death sentence. God is forever about the work of transforming me into that image of beauty that one day will be mine as I stand before His throne.
That is power-filled positive Living. Even when my foot seems unsteady, each tiny step I take, I can take knowing that God’s Grace is there to steady me. His Grace covered my sins, His Grace is holding me firm, and it is His Future Grace which will be present in each second of my life into and throughout eternity. When I look up at the majestic mountains before me, where is my strength? My strength comes from God—the creator of all the mountains. He who created heaven and earth. He chose to love me, save me, and to call me His own child. Do you know Him as Father?
The song I chose for you to worship to today is: Shoulders by King and Country.
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.