I don't usually get too personal about my faith on this blog, but this time I will. I have been reflecting a lot lately on the 5 year anniversary and was trying to think of a way to... I guess document it. I really want my kids to know about my journey with the Lord. I want to be able to encourage them, love them, praise them and just be there for them and show them that no matter what challenges they face in life, God will ALWAYS be with them. I want God to be the centre of their lives and will strive to live as an example to them. Since becoming a mother I think that the biggest burden I have on my heart is trying to be the best Christian mother I can possibly be, and lately I feel like I am failing in so many areas, but I know that God has mercy on me, and through God's grace and answers to prayer I will get better!
So looking back on a few things that I have learned and that have helped me grow, I decided to do a list! I am still a work in progress and even though I have heard some of these scriptures over and over again, it takes a bit to just sink in! :o)
1.) I now know what it means to have a personal relationship with the Lord. I never knew what this meant and how important it is and has been in my life.
2.) DO NOT WORRY! I have had the following scriptures pasted on my fridge, mirror, where ever for a few years now. I need these constant reminders ALL OF THE TIME as I am a chronic worrier.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:25-27
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, Oh you of little faith?
Matthew 6:28-30
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
3.) Persecution. I knew that being a Christian was not always going to be this wonderful, blissful walk with the Lord (that will come later in heaven), but I never anticipated the persecution, insults, judgement that I have received. So these versus are constant reminders that I am not alone.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (this is not an easy task)
Romans 12:14
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Timothy 3:12-13
4.) Perseverance! There have been so many times when I have just wanted to give up, just pack it in and forget about trying to live my life according to God's will. The amount of critisism we have received for the decisions that we have made is sometimes just too much. We make all of our decisions based on prayer and seeking God's will. Unfortunately there are not many that will ever understand that and have said some pretty harsh stuff about us. One example (there are many more)is our trip to Australia. Tonnes of research (you have no idea how many years) went into this move, and most importantly a lot of prayer and really seeking God's wisdom and provision. So many doors were opened and opened wide. Even though we came back a lot sooner than we anticipated we still believe 100% that it was God's will for us to go there. Too many prayers were answered in some pretty incredible ways while we were there, and we also learned some pretty amazing, difficult, but important lessons. However, we are continuously critized (and of course John is always blamed) for the money that we spent. We don't really care about the money, after all it is just money. It is not money that we serve or that provides for us, it is GOD and only GOD. That was a huge lesson for us. Was it a struggle when we were in Australia, you have no idea! Most of the critics are unfortunately those who have never moved out of the country and tried to live and settle in a new country, haven't done much travelling, but think they know everything.
I get pretty frustrated and upset over this, but lately as I have been talking to God, the one thing that he has revealed to me and laid on my heart over and over and over is the image of Christ on the cross during his last hours facing these people who only a week ago were worshipping and praising his name, witnessed miracle upon miracle and now were ordering his death, hurling insults, and in the midst of all of this the Lord Jesus said, "Forgive them Father for they do not know". Powerful words in such an agonizing time, but so true. So something that I really need to work on and remind myself of. These people need Jesus in their lives and they just simply do not know Him, but I pray that one day they will know Him.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character, and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
5.) Sharing my personal relationship with the Lord with my husband. I am so blessed that i can share my tears, my fears, the joys, the hardships with my husband. It is amazing that we can share this intimate spiritual connection because of our relationship and committment to the Lord Jesus Christ. I could not imagine if we did not have the same beliefs and did not want to live our lives for the Lord and follow his will accordingly. Praise the Lord for our unity!
There are a lot more things that I could write, but I won't. I am so blessed and even though there have been so many hardships these last few years, there have also been so many blessings. The Lord has answered so many of our prayers and has provided us with so many blessings or miracles, it is sometimes overwhelming. God Bless you and I hope that you take the time to rejoice in this magical season as we celebrate the best gift of all, the birth of our saviour Jesus Christ!
3 comments:
Thanks for sharing, V. It's sometimes amazing and unbelievable when you look at all God's done in you and through you these last five years. One of the things I learned while living in Poland was that God loves adventure and taking you on an adventure. Sometimes we don't want to go, would rather stay in our cozy little home and be complacent at times, when all he really wants is to show us more of his character and awesome work. Isn't it so much better going with him, even through the valleys and up to the mountain tops than staying at home?
I'm glad you shared this part of your life, Vanessa! I love all the scriptures you quote - they are some of my personal favourites too. Remember that if God brought you to it, He will bring you through it. Our lives are His and He can work amazing things in them. Take care!!
Beautiful post, V! It's so great to read your thoughts and hear how God has worked through you and what He is teaching you. Sometimes I feel the same, "it's too much hard work!" and I want to give up but I can't imagine life without knowing Christ - it would be so much harder. We have hope and grace and forgiveness and His amazing, unconditional love.
Big hugs to you!
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