Recently, I've had the privilege to labor with two dear friends through some real battles. Battles that aren't fun, that aren't easy, and quite honestly just don't seem fair. My heart breaks for these two friends, but rejoices in how God is using them to teach me!
These incredible women, as down in the dumps as their lives are, inspire me. Why, you might ask? It's because of their hearts for the Lord. They trust in God even when He hasn't given them the answers or healing, that is He hasn't YET! Also, they are just down right real. They don't deny the fact that things aren't great right now, they are vulnerable and honest about their struggles. This level of vulnerability has truly blessed me because it's what Christ desires. He blessed us with the fellowship of the saints so that we could lean on each other when we aren't strong. Yes, I know that's a song,but really y'all we can't live this life alone we NEED our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are the ones who speak life and truth to us and believe in God to be who He promises He will be, even when we can't.
These women have also challenged me and through them the Lord has revealed my sinful little self to me. He's refining me. Hallelujah! He had revealed that I am wayyyyyy to independent. I don't like to have help and don't like to let people know I need them. I'm really good at carry other peoples burdens and struggles but terrible when it comes to opening up and letting others extend love and grace to me in my times of doubt and weakness. Praise God He is dealing with me on this matter. This type of worldly independence can also be seen in my relationship with God. I don't rely and turn to Him enough. I try to do it on my own rather than submitting and seeking the face of my precious Father for EVERYTHING. Please pray for me as God changes my independence to dependence!
Also, in one of my conversations with one of these two dear friends the Lord brought to mind a truth what I want to share with you readers. My friend was expressing how she felt bad telling God about her pain and anguish when she knew that so many people in the world were going through harder trials than she. She also said I know that I am supposed to rejoice in all circumstances and I'm really trying but I just don't feel like I am. Immediately when she this the Lord so sweetly reminded me that far to often we thinking of rejoicing incorrectly. Rejoicing is a form of joy. But JOY isn't the same thing as happiness. Joy isn't reflected in a smile, happiness is. I like the following definition of joy.
Joy: the deep, settled confidence that God is in control.
You see my friend has been rejoicing through her trials, she just needed to be reminded that joy isn't dependent upon whether not not she has a smile on her face, rather is dependent on her heart. And let me just tell you, I'll be the first to say that her heart is beautiful. As I speak to her she doesn't stop proclaiming who God is and what His promises are to her. This girl has got faith to move the mountains, and her openness with all around her is bringing God so much glory it's incredible!
I'll end by again saying thank you to my precious friends for allowing me to journey with them through the tough times and praising God for making me daily more dependent upon others and more importantly upon Him!
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