GET BACK UP

I originally titled this blog "living in gethsemane" as that was where Jesus was in agony, praying for the imminent crucifixion. Many have used that term in a similar meaning as being in a place in there life of sheer agony but turning towards our Father for our needs to get through. I've even gone so far as to say that this entire temporary life we are living here until our name is called up or until the horn blows for Rapture is a life of living in gethsemane; however as I've grown and matured spiritual in my relationship with our Lord I've learned that thinking like that could draw some into a more depressive state if we continue to look at everything as doomed or always in agony. Granted one of the fruits of the Spirit is long-suffering but the intent of that is not for us to always be literally in a suffering mode, it's to show the joy that can be had, the faith that will grow stronger and the fulfillment we can have if we turn to Him & let Him lead us through it. I feel it necessary to say to you today that even though a lot has changed in my life in these last couple years, prodigal children, another divorce (i was married once before right out of high school, not long), I've had a lot of trials and painful experiences that at one time would have killed me, in fact things like this almost did way back when; however I can honestly say this day, this precious, God given day that I have true joy, I have fulfillment beyond description. I feel whole, I feel loved, I feel like a daughter of The King, and I have faith that all that's going on around me, with me, to me, to those I love, etc. I have faith that God is working it all for His purposes and as I've said before, I finally feel as though I am living His purpose for me and I know this because He says so in His Word, I am bearing the fruits that make evidence to the claims. Do I struggle still? Absolutely. Do I have sorrow and pain still? Sometimes, yes. So what's the difference? The difference is I know where to turn ~ Who to turn to & is does not return void. God fills my needs, He blesses obedience & most of all, most important to me ~~ when I stumble and fall & am sitting there allowing the insults of the enemy in my head trying to keep me down, all I have to do is look up & there He is with open arms and the indescribable love that only He can pour unto us. The group Third Day has a song out right now called "Lift Up Your Face" & I highly recommend it. Lift up your face, lean into His open arms, be forgiven once more, you are not defeated, the enemy is, the ultimate battle has been one, submit to God's Will, His Love, His Mercy, His Grace. Fall down, get right back up. Fall down again, get right back up. You've heard the term don't quit quitting for smokers ~~ same type here ~~ don't quit, don't give up, you will fall, you can get back up ~ take His hand, don't do it alone, let go of your fears, grab onto Him and JUST DO IT!! All is not lost, all is already won ~ Praise our Saviour & King Jesus! Can I get an Amen?!!!