If I am a Believer of Jesus Christ, I follow God, yet am caught in a great affliction; what does it mean? Each person must work out their own salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12) so this can be different for many, but the one thing that is true is it begins internally.
Having walked many times in great affliction I have come to see through the revelatory power of Jesus that it all begins in my heart. I share from a place of not knowing everything, but share because Christ's unfathomable love has transformed me. Not that I am perfected nor do I hold all the answers, but we are called to testify of God's amazing love for us.
Nothing I do on the outside will change or impact this affliction; as in the natural. It may be myself being hit with turmoil or someone I love may be in the trial of their life. It makes no difference, in both scenarios, the heart is the center of attention for God.
When Brian became incarcerated (2006-2012) I found myself at a total loss, but quickly heard the calling of God to press into Him, trust and follow. In these years it was never about punishment and paying a debt to society (outside afflictions) but about surrendering everything to God. With great gentleness He encouraged and transformed the very core of who we were as a couple, yet more importantly who we were individually. In affliction the response becomes a confession that my heart is in great need of repair. My heart must be laid open; filleted for God to see where my will has stunted growth; where misguided beliefs have me on a road of suffering so I can learn. The apostle Paul was greatly afflicted after his transformation on the road to Damascus; for a purpose and a plan that was unfolded as he walked out his life in Christ.
My will can never be greater than God's will and when it is; I falter and there is no fruit. The land I walk upon in my will is cold and hard; I walk in circles, like the Israelites walking in the wilderness for 40 years; never seeing the Promised Land because they refused to believe. God waits patiently until what He speaks to my heart is unleashed as I choose to listen with intention. The soil of my heart becomes softened as I obey God's word and heed Holy Spirit's voice. The Lord tills up the soil of my heart so He can plant (sow) seeds of righteousness; where He waters the seed with His love and wisdom. When I submit to His way (John 14:6) what He planted will begin to grow after it takes root in my heart.
It is never the external things that make us strong, but when we lay them down to bear our soul and will to His authority that things internally shift. This affects our perspective to see from God's view. It is as if God places His eyes in mine so I can see with great clarity.
Plainly put if you are in great affliction lay it down and seek God. Have conversation with The Almighty; ask for what you need (Matthew 21:22) and He will supply you for the journey. You may stay in the place of suffering for a season, but you will never walk it alone when you trust Him.
It is our heart God wants...all of it; not our natural life filled with empty deeds towards man. When your spirit is in communion with God the natural will eventually fall into place according to God's plan.
Afflictions alter who we are and the purpose we serve upon the Earth. Rejoice for your Father in Heaven is at work; His fullness is available when we rest in His presence. Our world as we know it may be turned upside-down but His peace is available (John 14:27).
I had repeated dreams (visions) during this time where I am on the beach; I am in a house where the walls are plate glass windows. A storm of great proportions is beginning to build; I see the waters rise and soon the waves are crashing upon the shore. The water is relentless as the waves hit the glass over and over again. I see the storm yet I am protected in the shelter of the Lord as He releases His peace to my heart. As I trust and believe, God will calm the storm in time. My sole response is to simply trust; while I rest in His promises (in God's word); no matter what I see, hear, taste, smell or feel.
There came a time when once I learned to trust God completely that He required me to move upon this new path with Him. This road I walked most definitely shifted and changed my mindsets, as I pressed in and followed Holy Spirit and The Word of God. When He proposed the way of righteousness in my heart, my perspective shifted and my heart became light. The burden was now His to bear (Matthew 11:29-30) as He mended the brokenness; replacing it with something better…assurance and reverence.
God invites us to shift our eyes from the affliction and look to Jesus, for this is where a new life emerges. A life unhinged in Christ will erupt as we step into His will. Trust and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
Repent for unrighteous living; repent for unbelief and receive what kind of living God has for you. Trust in God; there is hope and joy waiting to strengthen the very core of who you are. God bless!!
Laurie Weant
January 1, 2020
January 1, 2020
“Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him!!
~ Charles Stanley ~
~ Charles Stanley ~
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