INSPIRASUNS

Over the past several days there have been major painful events in the news. I guess you could say that about any given week depending on where you are in the world. Actually, you could say that at any given time in the history of the world, there have always been trials and painful events for humans to endure.

As I’ve been thinking about these events over the last several hours, yes, I’ve been awake, (you know me, I don’t sleep much), I’ve wondered if it’s all part of this big plan we call life. Wow, that’s pretty deep this morning as you sip your coffee huh? I don’t mean it to be. Here’s where I’m going, I’ve read some things on social media, seen some news clips, etc and what I’m finding is that there are so many who are thanking Father for His blessings and strength during incredibly difficult times. People are praying, supporting, encouraging, and doing.

Yes, let’s face it, there is evil in this world. The father of lies lurks and plots and waits to see the weakness in us. When he sees a crack, an opening, he slips in to create the illusion that we are alone and that our Father has forsaken us. Satan takes great pleasure in watching us suffer, he enjoys watching us question our faith, it’s his mission to separate us from our Lord. What happens when we, God’s children choose not to play in satan’s sandbox? What happens when we God’s children choose to stand firmly rooted in our relationship with Father? My guess is, satan gets agitated and tries even harder and gets even uglier.

Friends, there will continue to be challenges, disappointments, pain, and sorrow in this life. We are human, not perfect and we are simply not in control of so many things. However, what we are in control of is how we choose to live. We can choose to lean into our relationship with Father. We can choose to seek him every day, in all that we do. We can build a relationship so strong that even in the midst of the most ugly times, we will feel His love for us.

Some of the most beautiful things I’ve seen recently are comments about Father in difficult times. For instance, people in MS share how incredibly blessed they feel by God. Not victimized by a disaster, no they feel totally blessed that God saved them. A mother who loses a child and shares how thankful she is for a loving Father who allows her to feel the pain but holds her tight and reminds her how whole her daughter now is with Him. A cancer survivor going in for her annual screening saying these visits are always in Father’s hands.

There will continue to be difficult times in our lives. There will be challenges and satan will continue to try and bring separation between us and Father. So, let’s be mindful of his plans and not play his game. Lean in close to God. Ask Him to give you strength, to heal the pain, to bring peace, He will be there. We are strong my friends, and Father makes us stronger every day. Know that He will never forsake us and He is always with us.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.