Sometimes, no matter how much faith we have, life, here on this earth can be a struggle.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." ~Ephesians 6:12
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials," ~1 Peter 1:6
"...knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." ~James 1:3
There are several verses which state and allude to struggle, attacks, seasons of "less than positive" events. Sometimes, as Christians, we believe we are immune to such pain. New Christians or those weak in their faith can often point to these times as "reasons" to doubt God or completely walk away.
While I am not too fond of them myself, I urge you to look deeper:
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." ~Psalms 34:19
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." ~1 Peter 5:10
"But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." ~2 Thessalonians 3:3
"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." ~Psalms 16:8
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." ~2 Corinthians 12:9
I have struggled the past month. First it was one thing. It was pretty bad. Seriously bad. Then it led to a physical attack. I was then exposed to covid. While I did not actually get covid, in my weakened physical and mental state, I did develop a bad upper respiratory tract infection that included fluid in my ears and a sinus infection. I thought it was a cold. I ingested "gluten" which as one who has celiac, this is a "no-no" thus, suffering took a deeper turn. Once my immune system decided to stop, the "cold" I thought I had, decided to give in to the infection that was really going on which exasperated the original issue as well as the "gluten" attack. I kept going though. Life didn't stop... work, home, kids, etc. I was being chipped away at. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and in the "state" everything was in, well. it didn't go well. Side effects. Rash broke out that made it impossible to function which then affected my work! I was literally miserable.
Just when I was beginning to feel better, I went up into the attic. I promised my daughter I would get something. I saw this strange trash bag in the process so being curious, I threw it down along with what I went looking for then climbed down. When I opened the bag, I burst out in tears. I immediately ripped off my clothes and put on what was in the bag - right there in the freezing cold garage. I thought I had thrown it away. When I had to wear it 26 years ago, I thought it was the most horrible dress but my sister loved it. She was so happy that day. I walked into the kitchen and tried to do the dished but all I could was cry. I cried and I cried. I wondered through my house all morning with the dress on. For a brief moment, I felt like a princess. It stunk from being the attic all that time but I didn't care. I would break out in tears off and on drop to the floor and just sit. I was truly at a loss.
Finally, six hours later, I didn't think I would take it off. I grabbed all the cleaning supplies and headed into the bathroom. I closed the doors and had my phone. When I clean and when I am feeling low, I worship. And by worship, I mean I sing to the Lord. No, I cannot carry a tune in a u-haul less alone a bucket but I do it anyway (I closed the doors so my husband and cat would not hear me.) Still in the dress, I put on my "music" and I began not only to clean but to sing. The more I sang, the more I began to genuinely worship.
"All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so, good. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God."
"Why you ever chose me, is always been a mystery..."
"I hope you find me, praising your name no matter what comes..."
"If you've got pain, He's a pain taker, If you feel lost, He's a way maker... We've all found ourselves worn out From the same old fight..."
"Then You came along And put me back together...I'm not afraid To show You my weakness..."
"If you're run down Empty handed Come to Jesus and find your strength..."
"All my hope is in Jesus Thank God that yesterday's gone All my sins are forgiven
I've been washed by the blood..."
" I raise a hallelujah In the presence of my enemies. I raise a hallelujah Louder than the unbelief. I raise a hallelujah. My weapon is a melody. I raise a hallelujah
Heaven comes to fight for me"
Here I am. Scrubbing the bathtub, toilet, sink, etc. in a formal dress (yes, the dress was the dress I wore to her wedding - a long formal, gold dress; chiffon and satin, sleeveless. In hindsight, it really wasn't so horrible.) singing praises to my God. I started off a wee bit tearful and ended up strengthened, embolden and strengthened.
I not only sang, I poured my heart out and in those moments, God met me; the Holy Spirit comforted me. I was able to rise off the bathroom floor and look into the mirror - no tears. I had a peace and warmth that I had not had in weeks. I genuinely sought Him. In my "mess," in my hurt, in my pain, through my tears, I didn't need fancy words, I needed to genuinely and heartfelt worship from the depth of my being. THAT IS THE POWER OF WORSHIP!
In my stinky, princess dress with tear-stricken face scrubbing the bathroom my God pulled me in His lap as I poured out my heart and He comforted me and gave me His Peace and calmed my Spirit as He promised. When I finished, I was able to joyfully take off the dress.
I ask you, do you understand the POWER of genuine worship? If not, I urge you reach out, open your heart, He is there. He can and He will respond.
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