" Who Really Cares About Friends Who Are Suffering? ”

              

By Mary Lindow

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SUFFERING AND SORROW ARE A PART OF LIFE.

Knowing this, however, doesn't make it any easier to cope when you find yourself in the midst of the deepest, darkest trials of faith, and mentally anguish and strain.

Don't you wish Christianity could make you exempt from suffering? That would be great, but as most of us have learned, following our faith doesn't give us a free ride. We catch as much trouble as unbelievers—often more.

The difference, of course, is that we can turn to Jesus when things gowrong. Unbelievers might argue that we're only turning to our imagination, but we know better.

At some time in your life, however, suffering will hit you so hard that you won’t be able to do any of those things, and that dark time will probably visit you more than once.

“Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright,

for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”

Psalm 112:4

WE ALL WANT THINGS WE DON'T GET.

Maybe it's a person you're sure would make a perfect spouse, and the relationship crumbles apart. Maybe it's a better job or promotion, and you don't make the cut.

Or it might be a goal you poured your time and energy into, and it doesn't come to pass or others sabotage it all.

All of us have prayed for the recovery of loved ones who were ill, but they died anyway.

It takes real spiritual maturity to stay faithful when things go wrong, but severing our relationship with God punishes us, not him.

It's self-destructive behavior that can put us on the path to a miserablelife. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke15:11-32) teaches us that God always wants us to come back to him.

Whether your problem is discouragement, illness or aging, sometimes allyou have left is Jesus. When you're angry and bitter, you can still cling to Jesus in the midst of your tears.

You can grab onto him and refuse to let go until he brings you through it. You'll find, to your surprise that he holds on to you even tighter than you hold on to him.

JESUS UNDERSTANDS SORROW.

He knows about being hurt. He remembers the terrible moment on the cross when his Father was forced to abandon him, because he was filthyfrom taking on our sins. Jesus won't let you go.’

And as you age and start down the path from this life to the next, Jesus will take your hand to guide you. He appreciates all that you have done for him through the years, but what he has always wanted most is your love.

So there you are in the middle of one of life's train-wrecks-dazed, wounded, wondering what shoe-or bomb-will be dropping next, and up walks Job's comforters.

We all remember Job from the Bible. A rich, powerful man, a great father and good in every way was Job. Then, in a series of overlapping upheavals, he lost everything and everybody except his wife-who turned out to be a whole lot less than sympathetic in her changed status.

Battered Job ends up sitting alone on a pile of dirt, scratching his boil-covered body with some broken pottery.

WE CAN IDENTIFY WITH POOR JOB.

Life drags us through some tough times of loss that make us feel every bit like Job. Caught in a vortex of pain, and wondering if we'll ever make it to safety. And, boy, do we recognize Job's so-called friends who showed up to by all accounts offer support and comfort. As they sat with Job in his misery, they took turns playing a self-centered, self-righteous, can-you-top-this game of knowing for certain that every bit of Job ‘s disaster had to be his own fault or a lack of trust in God.

They weren't sure how or why because Job seemed so decent, but deep down, they insisted, he just couldn't be all he pretended to be.

THIS IS FAMILIAR TERRITORY.

You get fired, and friends smirk knowingly when you try to explain the political nature of the event. Your child gets into difficulty-well; you know the kind of comfort you'll get from friends about that. (It probably started sometime during potty training.)

Yet others try to “help” you with what I call “prayer lecturing.” While praying “for and with you” they let you (and God) know just how lucky you should be to even have running water, had a meal that day and more! Not really comforting in any way, and very very short on compassion.

Yet, from the story, it's clear that Job was completely innocent. Dreadful things do happen to completely innocent people, good people.

Because of their opinion of Job's guilt, history has bestowed his friends-(and their current replicas) - the label, "Job's comforters." So-called friends who add to a suffering person's anguish by piling on false charges of blame and guilt and harsh reprimand for daring to show sadness or agony.

You may never have met anybody like Job, but you've met his comforters on more than one occasion. They seem to be everywhere.

WE CAN CHARGE SOME OF IT OFF TO JEALOUSY.

Job had everything a person could dream of wanting-and then some- so jealousy was never more than a stone's throw away. The green-eyed monster is a little more subtle with people living everyday typical lives, but jealousy doesn't need much ground to take root and grow with vigor.

WE DON’T WANT TO ADMIT BAD THINGS MAY HAPPEN TO US!

If bad things happen to people who don't deserve them, they could happen to anybody, including me. If I don't want bad things to happen to me, (who does?), I have to persuade myself and everybody around me that the victim's actions caused the problem. If blame can be assigned, then I'll be safe as long as I'm good.

In other words, if I can claim that the cause of your problem is something you do that I don't do, then what happened to you can't happen to me. There is, of course, no logic to this, but it brings some shaky comfort to frightened hearts.

We see this thinking at work when people stare numbly at adversity and ask, "What did I do to deserve this?" Sometimes the answer is, "nothing."

HAVE YOU EVER ASKED YOURSELF WHY ME?

And it doesn’t have to be bad; you could be excited from something wonderful.

Most often then not I ask myself this after something I am looking forward to goes wrong.

Even at times when something goes wrong I lay awake at night and my thoughts wonder to what previously occurred. I am sure everyone does it at times, wishing for another try or chance.

You may lay awake thinking about your suffering, part of life’s suffering is misery’s shadow persisting/hanging on; not only do you suffer but you have to think about suffering.

I can’t prove this with statistics or find it any book I know of, yet I would say that more people either come to the faith or fall away because of this reason above all; the disturbance of suffering.

YOU SEE GOD USES TIMES OF SUFFERING…

… TO TEACH AND GROW US.

If you allow yourself to recount your sufferings, did you not learn more about faith while suffering then any other time? It has been said that; “Blessings are God’s whispers, he speaks in our conscience,but shouts to us in our suffering.”

“O my Comforter in sorrow,

My heart is faint within me.”

Jeremiah 8:18

Suffering becomes the only way to realize our hollow spiritual self. Pain is unmasked, and every person knows when something is not right when they are hurting. Pain insists upon being attended to.

So when you travel down this line of thought you come to the idea, why do I or someone else suffer when others don’t?

I KNOW SUFFERING IS EXHAUSTING AND PAIN HURTS.

That is why it is called pain and suffering. If there were an escape a person of great wisdom and insight would have done it already. Yet Discipleship demands such trials to compel us towards renewal.

Read Hebrews 2:10

“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.”

The real question is what to do when life has just punched us a goodone, and Job's comforters show up at our door. Nobody says we have to let them in.

And certainly nobody says we have to entertain them. And, most positively, nobody says we have to believe them.

“For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, So also through Christ our comfort overflows.” - 2 Corinthians 1:5

We can sort out the who's-to-blame-for-what after we get some solid ground under our feet and a little energy back into our lives.

But we still won't want Job's comforters anywhere around us…

… We will want people who care.

“Compassion “

To me not to be kind

Is evil of the mind.

No need to pray or preach,

Let us our children teach

With every fond caress

Pity and gentleness:

So in the end may we

God's Kingdom cause to be.

~ 
By R.W. Service

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Mary Lindow is included.


Thank You
!

Copyright " 2013" THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow


www.marylindow.com

www.globalprayerrooms.com

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"WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF US NOW?"

 Mary Lindow

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"He has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To do justly,  

and to love kindness and mercy,

and to humble yourself 

and walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8

ALTHOUGH I DO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A FRESH EXPRESSION OF THE HEART OF THE FATHER STIRRING IN THE EARTH, I also see that there is a lot of "bashing" regularly occurring due to the abuse others have exhibited in their places of calling, aimed at those who have been true to what the Lord has asked them to do in His name, and this has caused not just a little sorrow.

WE MUST CLEARLY SEE THAT CORRUPTION CAN RAPIDLY OCCUR IN ANY PERSON OR ANY GROUP, ORGANIZED, RELAXED, OR OTHERWISE, when the tendency to think that they have arrived at a new or deeper revelation about something more so than others who perhaps express the Lord's voice differently.

ARROGANCE IS THE ASSUMPTION THAT I, INDIVIDUALLY, OR SOME GROUP THAT I AM A PART OF, COLLECTIVELY, IS SOMEHOW SUPERIOR TO SOMEONE ELSE OR SOME OTHER GROUP OF PEOPLE.
At the heart of arrogance is self-centeredness. And self-centeredness is the foundation of human sin. I believe any serious attempt at self-examination by an honest person will reveal that we humans are sinful and flawed beyond measure.

MARK TWAIN ONCE SAID,

“MAN IS THE ONLY ANIMAL THAT BLUSHES—

OR [FOR THAT MATTER] NEEDS TO.”

Paul writes, “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand…Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death?”

Self consumes us. And every time we arrogantly place our own needs before others we are enslaved by sin.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
HOW SHOULD WE LIVE INSTEAD OF IN THAT ARROGANT MODE?
How about the words of Jesus?

What did he say?

"Everyone who exalts himself (for example, "Aren't I great? Aren't I right? Don't I always have the best opinion?") will be humbled.

But he who humbles himself (for example, "This is my opinion but it may not be right. I don't have a corner on the market of truth.") will be exalted."


THE LORD IS NOT SPEEDING UP THE DELIVERY OF ANY "FRESH THING" IN THE EARTH IN ORDER TO GET US TO HIS PURPOSES QUICKLY.

No. He is testing the hearts of men and women everywhere, looking for humility, selflessness, and honor, for those who although not perfect, have also served and pointed the way to salvation for many years previously.

THE LORD IS NOT GOING TO HONOR THE INDIVIDUAL WHO SHOUTS THAT "CHANGE IS NEEDED" OR THAT "CHANGE IS COMING" AND THEN SLASHES AND BURNS ANYTHING THAT DOESN'T EMBRACE THEIR VERSION OF IT.


THE LORD IS INTERESTED IN THE SOUND OF HUMILITY, THE HAND OF MERCY, AND THE VOICE OF GRACE.

These key character issues attract the pure and simple Presence of the Lord. Blessed are the PURE in heart...for they shall see God.

Until the Body of Christ that has been through many difficult and Shattering events and rids it of bitter and venomous words against one another and accepts that each one like sheep have gone astray and turned to what pleased them at the moment, there will be little evidence of much harvest.


THE LOST AND CONFUSED WORLD OUT THERE WATCHES CHRISTIANS TEAR EACH OTHER TO SHREDS DAILY AND WONDERS WHY WE ARE ASKING THEM TO JOIN US!
Remember Christ’s two great commandments—love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself.

Self-centeredness is the reversal of the great commandment.

Self-centeredness means to place ourselves first, in effect proclaiming our own form of self-government (not needing or wanting the advice or insight of others), therefore our neighbors become an afterthought, and God becomes simply a convenience to be considered only when it’s helpful to us. It is evident even in our language that self-centeredness is woven into the fabric of the human experience.


THE ONE TRUE SACRIFICIAL MODEL TOLD US THAT HE WOULD SEND THE VERY SPIRIT OF GOD IN ORDER TO CONVICT ALL PEOPLE OF SIN, TO COMFORT, TO GUIDE, AND TO SET THEM FREE.

Indeed. The very evidence of a redemptive type of life is in one who washes the feet of his/her brothers and his/her enemies in an act of cleansing the dirt from the road of life off of the pathway to the Truth.

May we truly hear the sound of the unmistakable heartbeat of a redemptive model rising up in clear resounding purity, personal

transparency, and in the covering of the multitude of sins by speaking and meditating only on those things that are noble, just, pure, and of a good report.


AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS NATIONS, THE ANTIDOTE TO ARROGANCE AND SELF-CENTEREDNESS IS A HEAVY DOSE OF HUMILITY.

That is; a profound willingness to recognize the value and respect the dignity of every human life. And, furthermore, a humble heart calls us to seek and serve Christ in ALL persons by giving of ourselves willingly for the welfare of other people.


THE LORD SAYS,

"Do not let a wise man brag about how wise he is.

Do not let a strong man boast about how strong he is.

Do not let a rich person brag about how rich he is.

But here is what the one who brags should boast about.

He should brag that he has understanding and knows me.

I want him to know that I am the Lord.

No matter what I do on earth, I am always kind, fair and right.

And I take delight in that," announces the Lord.

JEREMIAH 9:23-24 (New International Reader's Version)

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed
provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included. 
Thank You
Copyright © 2013 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow 
www.marylindow.com

"A 2013 PROPHETIC FORETASTE" A CHANGE OF PACE - A STRENGTHENED GRACE

"A 2013 PROPHETIC FORETASTE"

A CHANGE OF PACE  - A STRENGTHENED GRACE

By The Holy Spirit through Mary Lindow

Note:

I would warmly encourage you to listen to the podcast version of this prophetic insight/word and read the written form along with it in order to "hear"the heart and spirit as to how it is intended to be delivered.

To listen to this message as a free podcast, please scroll down to the bottom of this message or go to the column on your right to use the fast loading audio player. 

THE STRATEGIC DRAWING BOARD

There are a great number of Divine and strategic drawing boards and a re-designing going on in the lives of those called to move into the roles of Kingdom modeling of the Father's heart, the Savior's passion and the Holy Spirit‚s purest functions in the Body.

"See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms.

To uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow.

To build and to plant."

- Jeremiah 1:10

OLD WALLS vs. NEW WALLS

Old walls first come down before new ones can be put up!

Old walls of keeping people out of "your space"  -  "your ministry" -  "your home". 

The true boundaries of the Kingdom have room for everyone to freely express, (with respect for others), the passion they have for the "design" the Lord has given to them, for building up the King's domain!

THE "KINGDOM"OF GOD HAS GRACE AS ITS BOUNDARY SETTING 

AND HUMILITY AS ITS FOUNDATION.

And it will be said:

"Build up, build up, prepare the road!

Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people."

- Isaiah 57:14

THE ERA OF "REBUILDING"

The Lord is speaking to us in this era of "rebuilding" His house of worship - that as we put first becoming those temples and hearts of men surrendered to him as yielded vessels, there will be rooms re-designed by the "Master‚s craftsman" that will be filled with strategically planned prayer initiatives, music rooms equipped with "clear spiritual headsets" to hear the songs of the kingdom and actually record and share them freely, and a series of "family rooms" where all ethnic groups become "one family" as they fix their eyes on upon the "fireplace" of the presence of the Holy Spirit and His Pentecost type of power and might!

 "I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me,

and what the King had said to me.

They replied, "let us start rebuilding."

So they began this good work.

~ Nehemiah 2:18

I AM RESTRUCTURING EVERYTHING

"Yes says the Lord!  I Am restructuring everything in your lives that I have allowed to be taken and shaken from you! How can you be My fresh expression in the earth with the old worn out living quarters of the past?

Those who continue to cling to the accolades of the past and bygone ministry meetings and services (even if they were just last week) will receive a limited amount of new 

assignments until they realize that the past is... PAST!

Each day is a new day and needs a fresh approach to the fresh design model

 that I AM revealing!"

"The day for building your walls will come,

The day for extending your boundaries."

 Micah 7:11

A CHANGE OF PACE ˆ A STRENGTHENED GRACE

The unseen prophetic and travailing groups of individuals who are being shaped into the fabric of God's own weaving, are currently being made ready for a swift and dynamic change of pace. 

What was once long and hard will become shortened and filled with rest. Release 

of God's grace and abundant mercy is coming into fulfillment as you end your course of instructions for this season. 

"My friends don‚t be surprised at the painful things that you are now suffering, which are testing your faith. Don‚t think that something strange is happening to you. But you should be happy that you are sharing in Christ‚s sufferings.

You will be happy and full of joy when Christ shows his glory."

1 PETER 4:12-13

"BIGHEARTEDNESS"

Bigheartedness will be a part of the evidence of a fresh wave of Kingdom glory in the earth. Missionaries or "sent ones" will not grieve over broken promises made to them for aid to go! No! Those now surfacing in the earth as the fresh wave of pure and "Joseph-type" of compassionate-hearted, nurturing investors (KEY WORD: Nurturing), will be suddenly established, as well as the faithful and obedient souls who have never merchandised the anointing or promoted their gifting nor have shamed others while they too were flowing in obedience themselves.

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.

In order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.

The riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

Ephesians 1:18

"THE SERVANTS OF BLESSING"

The financial institutions will be dumbfounded as supernatural windfalls hit the Body of Christ while worldly concepts and scheming only further muddy the waters of global finance.

Joseph gifts in the body, men and women, who are beginning to see with eyes now stripped of the fear of be taken advantage of, will be visited with great joy and supernatural revelation as they see that they are called by Heaven as "The Servants of Blessing." They will operate in a restored life of purity in motive, in worship, and in honoring one another in Christ. Simply honoring each other without keeping lists of how much has been given or shared!

"All the believers were one in heart and mind.

No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,

But they shared everything they had."

Act 4:32

THERE WILL BE SHOUTS AND TEARS OF JOY

There will be shouts and tears of joy as heaven moves upon the hearts of wise, kingdom minded saints, who have been given grave responsibility over heavenly blessed currency. These sober truth-seeking saints, will hear the voice of the Lord and will not be moved by flashy pleas for glamorous support and promises of free gifts in return!  No! They will be led by the counsel of the Holy Spirit to be vessels that release a steady flow into the hands of those ready to only build with the name "Jesus" on the final product.

"JOSEPH TROUPES"

I am impressed by the Lord as I write that there are even those who have a "Joseph Troupe" type of calling that will actually store up investments and actually be teamed up by the Lord with missionaries, food banks, and other sent ones. The Joseph gifting will bless the harvest call on many seasoned and faithful servants of God who have been in places of preparation for further ministry to the Body of Christ globally. 

HAND PICKED "PEOPLE APPOINTMENTS"

There will be specific "people appointments" from the Father in heaven and through His Holy Spirit, He will bear witness in the hearts of those called like Joseph, to assist their Godly assigned brothers or sisters in Christ in the touching and training of believers in many nations. Discipleship will once again become a key component with those who have the apostolic heart to mentor and direct others into the field of harvest.

HEARTS OF KINDNESS  - COMPASSIONATE ADVISORS

These wise ones have known the false and greedy appeals for more coffers of religion to be filled and are no longer swayed nor fleeced by them. They will become hands of blessing, hearts of kindness, and I am again impressed by the Spirit of God, that they will also be compassionate advisors to those who have poured out all they have upon the spiritually hungry without taking much for their own care and rest. They will also be given great discernment regarding whom they are not to pour into in the next season of Kingdom work.

A PLACE FOR "JOSEPH GRACE"

A Godly voice of wisdom will be heard from the Joseph-hearted saints and they will prepare fiscally, medically, and recreationally well-designed plans for those needing such tender care.  It will be as if the Father himself brought heaven to earth in the form of a heavenly Joseph appointed employer, providing a salary for the employee as God establishes a different way of sending laborers into the harvest fields of service and places He commissions them to go. They will go with a foundation of "Joseph grace" 

undergirding them financially, relationally, and more importantly, 

in humble fervent prayer as co-workers together.

"Joseph, called by the apostles  "Barnabas"

(Which means "Son of Comfort") - a Levite born in Cyprus,

Sold a field that he owned, brought the money,

And made an offering of it to the apostles."

 Acts 4:36-37 

REBUILD A NEW "HOUSE OF WORSHIP"

Allow the Father to do his work of re-construction without hindrance or fear!

He will rebuild a new "house of worship" within each of His people who allow Him to walk into each room of their hearts and tear out the old and embedded dirt, grime, and of staleness of passive and fearful living. Accusing and harsh judgments, disrespect for 

others devoted time and critical attitudes will be purged again and again in the hearts 

of believers who have yet to see through the eyes of Christ those whom He lovingly 

calls beloved and faithful, even though viewed as awkward or fragile in the eyes of 

the immature or worldly heart.

Psalm 31:23

"All who belong to the Lord, 
 show how you love him!


The Lord protects the faithful, 
  

But he firmly rebukes
 everyone who is proud."

THE MOST EXCELLENT ETERNAL BLUEPRINT

It is the day for each member of the Body of Christ to think of itself as one Godly unit, ready to honor and edify each unique Master plan of the King. It's the hour where building upon egos, smug thinking, and entitlement only invites the demolition of the Spirit to go to work until the knowledge of humility and eternal reward are viewed as the most excellent eternal blueprint!

 "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts,

Try to excel in gifts that build up the church."

~ 1 Corinthians 14:12

A PROMISE FOR REST

Rest will be essential for the retention of peace and clarity in this next year.

As the training in humility and "gentleness of heart-expanded compassion" are applied in our lives as friends of the King, our souls will cease their strivings from the driven goals we set out to accomplish.

We will learn to listen to the wisdom and warnings of others in simplicity and humility. And, in gentleness we will sincerely approach one another as dear Jesus does. Although He is the wisest among us, He puts no heavy yokes or shameful modes of performance upon His children. He simply yokes them to Himself in a promised rest when they yield humbly. 

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

For I am gentle and humble in heart,

And you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:29

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed

provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank you! Copyright © 2013  "The Messenger " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com 

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"FINDING THE PLACE OF SAFETY AND ACCEPTANCE "

By Mary Lindow

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IT’S A STRANGE AND TWISTED WORLD THAT WE LIVE IN

Many well meaning people try hard to give pep talks, cheery texts and even send emails with profound  topics or inspirational contents all in the hope of giving a bit of relief from the ever increasing “noises” of an uncertain world.

“ I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?

This is not always an easy question to answer right away. Emotions and physical reactions to the question begin to swirl and elevate stress levels when anxiety creeps in. And, fear is a terror that can paralyze anyone if enough of it is allowed to enter our minds. And that is exactly where it first penetrates our peace. In the Mind.

Fear - (noun)

Fright, fearfulness, horror, alarm, panic, agitation, trepidation, dread, consternation, dismay, distress; anxiety, worry, angst, unease, uneasiness, apprehension, nervousness, foreboding;

WHEN WE FEAR WE MAKE POOR CHOICES

If you are afraid or “fear” being misled by someone, you will limit your intimacy or openness with him or her. Many believers in need of healing emotionally from harsh or indifferent parenting tend to keep deep relationships or friendship at arm’s length in order to maintain a sense of control or privacy for themselves. 

This can become a form of “selective hearing or selective listening” if the individual feels that they need to remain aloof and frosty in order to gain the respect or validation that they feel that they need to exist.

The problem with this cycle is that is creates a private  “terror” of not having a solid place of safety with a few dear and treasured people, flawed people… but those willing to also be vulnerable and open.

Psalm 27:1

“The LORD is my light and my salvation-- 
whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- 
of whom shall I be afraid?”

Every situation, location, and relationship of our everyday lives is in some way broken. As fallen creatures, the best we can ever do in this life is to know how to live in this broken-down house/earth suit that’s our current address. And, nothing and no one but God himself, in the fullness of his time, can change where we live. So as we experience the reality of life in this house, sometimes it will leave us confused and overwhelmed.

Sometimes it will leave us hurt and angry. Sometimes people will give way to envy because the house or “life” of someone living nearby seems far less broken. Sometimes we just get weary of the stress of it all and long for a house in perfect repair. 

YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE

In those moments, those days, those seasons, remember that you are never on your own. The Master Builder has given us a copy of his renovation manual, the Bible. It will help us to understand why things are as broken as they are. It teaches us how to live well even in the midst of the brokenness. And it will explain the only way in which repair can ever happen.

Just never forget that the "Designer" Himself has moved into the house with you. You’ve not been left alone. You can rest assured of his presence and his wisdom. His grace has blessed you with both of these.

However, He must be fully welcomed and invited into all of the “locked and hidden access areas” that others are not often trusted to enter into.

He who offers you such grace and guidance will never ask you to do what you are not fully capable of doing by God’s grace and ever present Spirit. He will not demand things of you that are beyond your abilities. Our Lord is tender and kind. He knows who you are and he knows where you’re living. He knows how hard it is to live in your broken-down house because in the flesh he lived here himself.

The Lord invites you to walk away from trying to figure it out on your own and he welcomes you to sit at his feet and learn the simplicities of living; things so full of meaning that you will see your world in a completely new way; things so practical that you will never live the same way again. 

 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

Philippians 2:3

TAKE A LOOK IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR FOR ONE MOMENT

Have you recently made decisions about who you will share with on any level such as giving, talking of dreams, sorrows, losses, major life events, and then afterward - pulled back only to run to either another source for additional validation or to agree with your choices or decisions? Or, have you reacted to some of the counsel or responses you have received by testing those whom you have shared with by removing your favor, kindness or former warmth from them?

These actions are often made rapidly when we are fearful or fear being wounded, and shift us into a place of survival and self-protection.

They can also isolate us from a loving, safe and healthy “corrective course” or direction away from fear and its tentacles.

FINDING THE PLACE OF SAFETY AND ACCEPTANCE

When we step into the hand of God we find the place of acceptance, and safety and an opportunity for service. It is the place of real authority, as well as of hiddenness.

God only works with those who are in His hand and those who do not keep jumping out of it, attempting to either control their own fears, but instead, often try to control others around them due to being fearful of the choices others make possibly affecting them.

Both greatly hinder the ability to trust other godly people and above all, to trust the safety of letting God do His job, while we rest in His hand.

The more we lie sheltered there, the more surely will He use us down the road. And it will be alongside others who freely share all that they have, without fear. Just as you will learn as you let go, and allow the Father to build a “Safe House” out of your life in His presence.

May the Lord do for us according to His word.

He said, 

"I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of My hand."

Charles Spurgeon spoke such a beautiful statement

 and I want to share it with you here.

“The shadow of God is not the occasional resort,

but the constant abiding- place, of the saint.

Under His shadow we are to feel that we are at home, and then 

He will make Himself at home to us by becoming food unto our souls, and giving spiritual refreshment to us while we rest.”

NO MORE HOOPS TO JUMP

When this is learned and treasured, you will then not withhold from or test others with rules or regulations set up to certainly fail them. We ruin great friendships or opportunities when we expect from others total vulnerability and openness and then only give part of what we have and who we are back in return.

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Colossians 3:12

Perhaps you are waiting on Christ, desiring His company, and while you are thinking these thoughts you are asking, "Will He ever direct His full gaze upon me? Will He ever speak loving words to me? Will He ever let me sit at His feet? Will He ever permit me to lean my head upon His shoulder?"

COME AND STEP BACK INTO THE SHELTER OF HIS HAND.

Though you might shake like a leaf in a strong wind. Come! Sometimes those who come trembling are those who are aware that they are the lowest and the Creator the highest. When finally admit that our own self-esteem is less than nothing and is total vanity, then Jesus is the more good and lovely in our eyes.

Let your humility of heart, and your sense of hollowness, as a replacement for disqualifying you, be a sweet instrument for leading you to receive more of Christ.

“Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,

But humility comes before honor.”

Proverbs 18:12

 The emptier I am, 

The more room is there for the Lord

The more I lack, 

The more He will give me.

The more I feel my weakness, 

The more shall I adore and bless Him 
when He makes me whole.

You’re never in a better place than when you give up on you and begin to trust in what is certain.  The life-shaping wisdom of the One who created you - in the first place. 

“After all, every house has a builder,

But the builder of everything is God.”

Hebrews 3:4

Duplication and re-transmission of this writing is welcomed
provided that complete source and website information for Mary Lindow is included.

Thank You!

Copyright  2013 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

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