Today is the day for the July Random Journal Day Link Up, where those of us brave enough to do so open up an old journal from way back when and dare to share it with you and the rest of the world. You never know just what you're gonna get when you open up an old dusty journal from off the shelf (or out of the dresser drawer, like mine), and within reason, we print whatever happens to pop up.
For my post tonight I thought I would look for something written around the 4th of July back in the past, but the closest thing I found was from June 6, 1985! This was written when we were searching for a new place of ministry, and we found ourselves in the throws of despair. I'll lay it out for you here, and you might see why I decided to go ahead and share this one...
"Believe it or not, I'm almost willing to stay in ___, if God so directs, that I will do! I'm willing to TRUST HIM in that decision. HE knows what is best for us.Right now we really need help in defeating the spirit of discouragement. After our annual church council, we were really excited and hopeful for our future. But upon coming home, doubt and despair have crept in.
Lord, I ask You today to cast out, in the Name of JESUS, all thoughts and feelings of doubt, despair, and discouragement in both my husband and me. Lord, You know how Satan has tried to thwart what You have wrought in our hearts this past week at "council". Lord, help us to keep our eyes on THEE, so that we may continue to have faith and believe in You, without doubting. Forgive us, Lord, of our fears and doubts. FILL us with Your Holy Spirit, Renew us, and Help us, I pray, Oh Lord Jesus.
I write this prayer so that I can refer to it again--as we see You at work in our lives, Lord. I PLACE MY TRUST IN YOU. AMEN. Thank you, Lord."
As I looked further in my journal for this particular year, I realized that in just two months' time God had answered our prayer, and we were on our way to an exciting new adventure in ministry! Although I was feeling a bit of sadness at leaving behind the friends we had made in the current place of service, I wrote the following:
"The people here at our (current) church were very understanding~although sorry to see us go. It isn't easy to say good-bye to people~but when the Lord says "GO", we must obey!"I concluded with the following:
"Thank You, Jesus, for all Your blessings on me!"
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| One of the "many" places we served...this was back in the mid 1980's... Just one of the ways that God blessed us. Yes, thank you Lord, for Your blessings on us! |
Dear friend, if you are battling despair and discouragement today, think about the little prayer I prayed above, and pray it with me. No matter what the situation, God wants to carry you through to victory. Commit your life to Him...He will not lead you astray.
"Lord, I ask You today to cast out, in the Name of JESUS, all thoughts and feelings of doubt, despair, and discouragement in me. Lord, You know how Satan has tried to thwart what You have wrought in my heart through __________ (you fill in the blank). Lord, help me to keep my eyes on THEE, so that I may continue to have faith and believe in You, without doubting. Forgive me, Lord, for my fears and doubts. FILL me with Your Holy Spirit, Renew me, and Help me, I pray, Oh Lord Jesus." Amen.
Then remember to praise Him for His promises and blessings. Even when you don't feel like praising...the very act of giving thanks to Him opens your heart to receive the blessings He has in store for you. If you don't believe me, just try it for yourself. Give God a chance! He will not fail you.
