Whatever I thought mattered pales in comparison to knowing Jesus as my dearest and most intimate friend.  Over the course of my lifetime, I have lost many things, faced many trials, cried rivers of tears from a heart that has been shattered, and stared death in the face. However, every step of the way; Christ was there to comfort.  He drew me close and I realized He understood; because He too had faced suffering.  There was a sweet fellowship in suffering; where I understood that He knew exactly how I felt, and He loved me enough to have suffered all that He did, so He could save me.  Suffering brings me to the heart of Jesus.

When I chased after counterfeit joys, He waited patiently, always ready to pick me up once more after I had crashed to the ground.  There, He would pick me up, wipe away all the muddy dirt, and dry the tears.  The battles of my heart, the fight against cancer, all the surgeries from ulcerative colitis, the loneliness of widowhood, the mass on the pancreas and all the financial burdens I faced; worked together to bring me to this place of resting, trusting in God.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings  Philippians 3:8-10

THE FELLOWSHIP OF SUFFERING

When sorrows and trials come into our lives, we find greater comfort from those who have been there. They have the empathetic, understanding ear.  Certainly, they are the ones who sitting silently, holding our hands can truly sigh with you.  They feel your tears.  Jesus Christ does just that.  He faced many sorrows, pains and trials along His journey here on earth; not, because He had too; rather, He chose to.  Hebrews reminds us that we have a high priest who understands us; because, He, too faced pain, hunger, rejection, beatings and death on a cross-bearing the shame and guilt that should have been mine; so that, I might find my righteousness in Him.

God’s ultimate purpose for you and I is that we might look like Jesus one day.  Every trial we face brings us one step closer to that goal.  Not only does it force me to cling to Him with greater fervor; but, it also gives me the empathetic ear to hear another’s tears.  Often, I find because of all I have walked through; people know I really can hear their pain.  Perhaps, my eyes have grown a little grey and tender over the years; filled with heart that has grown through the pain.  So, not only do I gain a sweet fellowship with Jesus; I gain the insight needed to draw others to Him.  What would my life be worth, if I did not have the opportunity given by Grace to tell others about Jesus?  After all, He can transform their eternity?

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Is there any suffering too great for the salvation of one soul?[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”If it is a cross I must bear to bring me closer to Jesus, then a cross I will bear” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]Closer to Jesus, that is my prayer; whatever, God plans I desire[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”Jesus–my hope my joy my comforter & my companion in every suffering trial I face” username=”effiedarlene”]

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

 

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 RoninRon Custom Art 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.

When I look back over my life, so many parts I would not have chosen.  Ah, but you see; God did.  Little did I know that my greatest gain would come only after I lost most of what I clung tightest to.  Mostly, I could not gain my own Being in Christ; until, I came face to face with my own nothingness without Him. God stripped me of all my pride; that, I might find in Him all that I need.  After seeking to gain His pleasure through the works of my hands, I surrendered in defeat; only to find there at the foot of the cross, I was made new.  During all those years, I loss a lot of who I thought I was or believed I desired; only to discover: My Greatest Gain came from losing all I thought best; having it replaced with God’s Best Plan.

Having accepted Christ at such a young age, I studied His world with a ferocious appetite to grow.  My desire remained steadfast, seeking and searching to know Him more.  Still, a weed began to grow; perhaps, from the ideas planted in my tender years; that, I must work hard to gain God’s pleasure.  By my early teens, a sense of pride began to grow within my heart.  Looking toward heaven, I prayed, “God, aren’t you proud of me?  I love you and follow your commands.”  I cannot tell you if my pride truly came from truly thinking highly of myself or more from a desperate need to know God truly loved me, which I believed I had to earn.  Yet, those fate filled words came shortly before I began a spiraling fall; facing the depth of my own inability to do His Will.

WHEN LOSS BECOMES OUR GREATEST GAIN

Paul, the apostle knew this all too well.  He had much to be proud of concerning his own personal fulfillment of the old Testament Law; however, when he came face to face with Jesus–that changed.  Now, being held prisoner; having lost his honorable position in the Sanhedrin and nearing dying from beatings and stoning; he wrote these words in Philippians 3:4-11

 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,  And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Paul had lost everything that had been his identity; that he might find his greater identity in Christ Jesus.  Nothing else mattered as much as knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and master.

STEP BY STEP, ONE GLORY AT A TIME

Certainly, I would not have chosen the years of abuse, the cancer, the chronic illness and multiple surgeries.  Nor would I have chosen widowhood.  Never did I want to fail God by my own sins.  Yet, step by step; God allowed me to stumble at times, so I might find my only righteousness in Him.  Because of my stumbling, I see the world through eyes of grace; which I could not have gained.  My sufferings drove me into the arms of Jesus.  The tears that covered my pillows at night brought me to a place where I could hear God’s comforting songs of love in the darkest night.

Yes, step by step; God drew me closer to Him.  Amazingly, I even sin less; now that I recognize my own inability to win against sin; because, I rest on Him and His victory rather than my own.  Now, instead of trying to gain His pleasure, I rest in it.  No matter what trials come my way and I know there will still be many; I count all things loss for excellency to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Looking back over my life, I thank God; He did not give me what I wanted; rather, He gave me His best plan for me.

So, let me close with an excerpt from this poem I wrote.

An Act of Grace

As I look back over my life

Remembering the pain and strife

There were those nights of bitter tears

When I awoke heart full of fears

To stumble then to find my chair

Where I would sit alone in prayer

 

My Bible opened there I’d read

Of hope, of love, of all I need

Your songs of joy poured over me

Salvation’s song had set me free

And suddenly I saw a light

A thought that brought such pure delight

The pain had been Your act of Grace

To Cause this heart to seek Your face

And find in You, my love, my friend

This hope and joy will never end

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

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[bctt tweet=”When you have lost everything else and found Jesus Christ, then you have everything” username=”effiedarlene”]

[tweetthis]My true identity can only be found in Christ Jesus, letting go of my self[/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 David Marcu on Unsplash  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.

Paul presented the gospel of Jesus Christ to the gentile nation. He spread the good news of salvation to all who would believe. The true followers of Christ were those who worshiped with a true circumcision of the heart. Not those who touted an outward circumcision, with no repentance.  Throughout the Old Testament there had been those who came to God from outside the Chosen nation of Israel.  Rahab, the harlot and Ruth held the distinct privilege of being a part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.  We, even read of Nebuchadnezzar who in his later days; despite all the evil he had done previously, worshiped God and even commanded his nation to do the same.  Jesus reached out to the Samaritan woman at the well, crossed the sea to save one demon possessed man and healed the Centurion’s son because of his faith.

From the time that God called forth Abraham to establish a nation of worshipers, circumcision became a symbol separating them from the world.  Circumcision became the symbolic gesture of God’s covenant with them as His people. However, time and time again they as a nation, failed to follow God’s commands.  They would worship idols, complain against God, and ultimately reject the Messiah who came to bring Salvation to the world.  God remained faithful in His covenant to the nation of Israel, and still does today as they will play a major role in the end prophecies.  However, their outward circumcision of the flesh did not guarantee their true worship; unless, the outward expression symbolled a true circumcision of the heart.

GOD’S CALL TO TRUE CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART

Continue reading Getting to the Heart of Worship-The True Circumcision →

Sometimes along the road of life, when overwhelmed by sorrow or pain, we look up and at the first the mountains seem to loom before as impossible. Filled with evil lairs we fear may hide trials so grave they may destroy us.  There in the darkness, God calls us to come, take His hand.  One step at a time until as we focus our gaze on Him; inching ever closer.  Then, amazingly we look down and realize we have reached the peaks of those mountains, we had so feared.

Along the Road of Life

 

As I walked along this road of life

Amidst the rambling thorns of strife

I felt the pains-like sharpened knife

Tear open scars of yonder day

 

I gazed before me – looming there

Mountains filled with evil lair

I wanted then to cry a prayer

Yet, agony’s silence stole my way

 

I felt so desperately alone

Until a light before me shone

A King who sat upon a throne

A path to whom before me lay

 

And then I heard a still small voice

That called to me to sing, rejoice

I pondered then to make the choice

To choose Joy’s song as mine today

 

I felt within a warmth, a glow

It felt as if my heart did grow

As joy and love within did flow

My pains and sorrows swept away

 

I took a step, just one at first

Desiring more His hope I thirst

To drink His love until I burst

With laughter’s wondrous ray

 

My heart rejoicing rose to sing

As lifted up on eagle’s wing

My weakness bids- His strength to bring

My fears and doubts He came to slay

 

Amazing then before my eyes

The mountains that had hid the skies

No longer did before me rise

Instead beneath my feet did lay

GOD’S WORDS OF HOPE

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.  Ephesians 3:20

 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18

they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

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]God reaches into the darkness of our despair to give hope joy & strength[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]There is no mountain in life to hard to climb with God at my side[/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 Photo by Natasha Norton 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.

 

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.