As believers in Christ, we will experience several things in this life. It’s during those times of persecution, affliction, trials, tribulations, and testing that we have to really guard our heart. I know there are days where I feel so tired and the words “I’m tired of going through” will come to mind and if I’m not careful, I repeat those same words. You may be tired but be mindful that the Holy Spirit lives on the inside of you. This same Spirit can quicken you and give you the strength to continue in this race.

Satan loves to discourage us and that is another reason we have to be mindful of the thoughts that come to mind. If he can get us in our thoughts, he has us overall. That’s why the Word of God tells us to “Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” —‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God didn’t call us to live defeated lives! In fact, He causes us to triumph in all things. With the spirit of the living God residing on the inside of us, nothing is impossible for us.

So here’s why I’m sharing this post today:

On a previous post titled, In the Waiting!, I opened up and shared about how my water tank needed to be replaced but I didn’t have the money for it. So I went four weeks without hot water. I literally had to boil water every day and carry it upstairs. It was such a humbling experience. So last week, something else came up. I woke up one morning and I realized that it was unusually stuffy in the house. The A/C was running but it was still so hot. I checked the thermostat and it read 85° on the inside. The thermostat was set for 75°, so I’m thinking, “what in the world is going on?” So I turned the unit off and went on my way. I walked my son to the bus stop and as soon as I returned home, opened the door, I could feel the heat. It was so much cooler on the outside than it was on the inside of my house. I let several windows up and increased the speed of the ceiling fans. That first night though…we were all uncomfortable. Part of me wanted to cry due to seeing the kids so uncomfortable, but instead I gave God the glory. The following day was hot also and I decided that I wouldn’t cook on the inside just to keep the house from getting heated. I grilled instead. I was determined to find ways around our situation. 

Sometimes God answers our prayers in ways we don’t even expect. He sent rain and with the rain it’s been a lot cooler and I’m so grateful for the rain. 

It’s in those times when you feel like there is so much pressure all around and so many things “happening” in your life that you need to give God the glory! I remember the day I didn’t feel like doing anything because it was so hot. I didn’t even want to go outside. But I sensed the Lord leading me to go outside. As I walked out, the wind greeted my skin and that in itself caused me to smile. Not only that, I sensed the Lord saying, “I am with you.” So even when we go through things in this life, whether good or bad, God is present. We can go ahead and give Him the glory! 

Here are some scriptures for your assurance:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” —‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” —Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You’re not alone in what you’re going through! The Father is with you! So today, count it all joy that you get to go through trials with the True and LIVING God!

Testimony: Even while I was composing this post, the technician called and informed me that he was outside. After taking a look at the unit on the outside, he said it looked as if the motor needed to be replaced and he would charge $250 to replace it, labor included. Well, while he was disassembling everything, he realized it wasn’t the motor. There was a part that needed to be replaced and he actually had the part on his truck. Not only that, he didn’t even charge me the $250. So, I thank God for working it all out! Now we have some air, just in case the temperature decides to spike back up! 

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” —‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭KJV‬