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Do You Really Desire to Abide in the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus?

May 21, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

Last week we looked at the Lord is our Rock. In Him we can trust. Our salvation is not based on our performance. He is the foundation of our salvation. The All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus bids us to abide in Him. There we can find rest, comfort, freedom from fear and strength. His surging power within us fills us to the overflowing with love, strength and wisdom when we abide in Him.

Friday was a very busy day. I went to multiple places with meetings. Some very refreshing, some raising a lot of questions, tough questions and no true answer. I needed God’s wisdom to guide my recommendations to each of my sons. As one I had much to relate, and the other had called with a problem that appeared nearly impossible to solve. Then a note from someone reporting a major problem due to the inconsideration of a person. As the day ended, body and mind tired, I whispered this prayer.

“God, you are the God of the Impossible. Omnipotent, omniscient, all wise God only you can provide the light, the strength, and the wisdom to guide my every thought and decision.”

Amazing I awoke then Saturday morning with every question answered. Oh, certainly there are steps to take. But what looked impossible Friday night, suddenly had a way opened to march forward. That is abiding in faith in the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus. He fills you with joy, strength, and hope. Even in what appears impossible, He is the God of Possible.

For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus Christ) are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 2 Corinthians 20

Wisdom is one of those things that He has promised to all who ask.

But How Do We Abide in the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus

Perhaps that is the biggest question. Yet, the Bible never fails to give the answers. Therefore, the key is just as Jesus said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

His words cannot abide in me unless I am continuously reaching out to read them and study them. I need them to be written on my heart. But I do believe Psalms 119 4-16 gives us further insight as well. Note 7 steps necessary to abiding in His word

⁴Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. ⁵O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! ⁶Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. ⁷ I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. ⁸I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

⁹Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ¹⁰With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. ¹¹Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. ¹²Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. ¹³With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. ¹⁴I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. ¹⁵I will meditate in thy precepts and have respect unto thy ways. ¹⁶ I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

7 Steps necessary to Abide in His Word found in Psalm 119:4-16

#1 Desire

to keep God’s precepts (verse 5 and verse 10). This burning desire to know and to keep His commandments comes from a heart who knows the sweetness of His amazing Grace. This is a heart who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If you truly remember the day He saved you from your sin, then how can you not have that desire.

You may have allowed the flames to diminish over time due to neglect. But if you ever asked Him into your heart by faith in Jesus Christ finished work on the cross, the flames cannot be distinguished. Fan those ashes back into burning flames. Bow before Him and ask repentance for your neglect of His Word and His Love toward you. Plead as did David in Psalm 51, restore to me the joy of my salvation. If you do not know Him as Lord and Savior, it begins there. He paid the price for all your sins, if only you would accept His gift of salvation. He is the only way, the truth and the life. Accept Him today.

#2 Read The Scripture

It Tells Us of the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus

Therefore, read His word every day. Do not neglect this. How can you start a day without Him first? Even on the busiest of days take time to read a verse or a psalm. Let that moment sink in. 3 to 5 minutes can transform everything else in your day and life. Would you think it ok if no one in your family took the time to say, “Good Morning”? How then could you start the day ignoring the very one who created you and gave His life to save yours? Read verse 7 and 14. How can you praise Him without even taking time to hear from Him each morning? What kind of rejoicing is ignoring Him every morning?

#3 Memorize Scripture

As much as you can memorize scripture. That is harder for me since chemotherapy 30 years ago and my now aging brain. Still, the Holy Spirit brings scriptures back into my mind as needed and I have my phone ready to look up the scriptures each time one comes to mind.

What I have found is, the essence remains and from one or two words or ideas I can find the scripture quickly. So do not get discouraged in this. It is very important to know scripture. I must read scripture more diligently and clasp to it. When I need to remember a concept or words, I write them down. Then I try to reuse them in my speech throughout the day to others. I recall them frequently as I go about my day. And I whisper them back to God in prayer at night. You can see this in verses 11, 12, and 13.

#4 Speak

of the Wonder of Knowing the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus

The more you speak of Him, the stronger your own heart grows. It serves as not only testimony of Him to a desperate world in need, but also reminds your own heart of all He has done for you. See verses 14 through 16. Each time you witness, you find the Holy Spirits power growing within your own heart. How can you not? He gives you the words and places people in front of you.

Yesterday, I stopped at a pharmacy to get something to help my sister-in-law. The conversation led to my mentioning having breast cancer and all the hormonal effects of a very early menopause. The pharmacist started crying. That opened the door for me to tell her of the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus who is the author of possibility where all looks impossible. She had just completed chemotherapy for breast cancer. You never know how your own transparency can open doors to lead people to a saving knowledge of Him.

#5 Pray Meditationally

Take time to sit alone with the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus and just “abide” in His presence. “Be still, and know that I am Lord” (Psalm 46:10) Ask Him to guide your heart and thoughts. be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2). How do we do that? By taking heed unto His word, see verse 9 of Psalm 119. Also note that leads to verse 16 of Psalm 119. “ I will delight myself in your statutes: I will not forget Your words.”

#6 Write Down –Journal

what the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus has done for You

As you keep a journal, mark scriptures in your Bible. Thereby, you establish a road path. There you can look back. Thus, you see His faithfulness in the past. That reminds you of all He has done. There are even those notations in my Bible when I asked foolishly. However, He wisely said, “No, I have something better for you.” Looking back, I see He was right. Had He given me what I foolishly asked for, I would have been destroyed. The closer we Abide in Him, the nearer our requests become His will for us. What a wondrous God He is!

Verse 15 was David’s reflection of this truth. “I will meditate in thy precepts and have respect unto thy ways.” I meditate more on His words. Therefore, naturally my heart aligns more closely with His Heart for me. That is why God can say, “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:4-5) When I am truly delighting in the All-Powerful Compassionate Jesus, my desires align with His. He knows what is best for me. His desire is my joy be complete in Him. Therefore, He will give me that which brings me ever closer to Him.

Delight in Him is the Product

Joy overflowing with delight is the product of Abiding in Him. So, why not trust in the All-Powerful, Compassionate Jesus. As we abide in Him, He does the rest. Ask for His wisdom to guide your thoughts and your mind. He is all you really need. The more we delight in Him, the more we glorify Him. The more we glorify Him, the more His Glory reflects in our life. Amazing how this works.

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.

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 Know Strength in God with Freedom from Fear

©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 shutterstock.com

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How to Know Strength in God with Freedom from Fear

May 11, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

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.

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

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

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2025

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

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

May 4, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

“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

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

April 27, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

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.

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

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

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

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

April 20, 2025 Effie Barba Leave a comment

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.