This post is from contributor Marianne Sunderland
I lay in bed, unable to sleep. The quiet darkness all around me belied the turmoil in my mind. I felt the fear and insecurity well up in my chest as I struggled with the anxious thoughts streaming through my head. The longer sleep evaded, the faster the thoughts swirled. I tossed and turned, hoping a new position might help me to find the sleep that eluded me.
Have you ever felt like that? Like the cares of the world were crashing around you, completely out of your control? Yeah, me too. Here we are these competent, godly women who are known for our faith and ability to encourage others, yet, in a flash, we’re like little children again, wondering and worrying and lacking peace.
To be fair, this world does offer a smorgasbord of fare to fret over. Whether it is the political climate or the economic collapse, the state of our communities or even issues within our own homes, we don’t have to look far for something to worry about. Except…What good does it really do?
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27
As women who stand for God, for truth and for righteousness, we are walking around with great targets on our backs, and on the backs of our marriages, and on the backs of our children. Satan would like nothing better than to take us out with our marriages and children with us.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10:10a
I’ll be honest, there have been times when I lay upon my sleepless bed and felt very much like quitting. Like the work was just too hard, the harvest too barren. Send someone else, I feebly prayed.
Worry will do that. Worry will make us so exhausted, so fearful, that we feel like quitting. It’s biblical, you know. The cares of this world can choke our faith – if we let them.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6
…..but in everything by prayer…..
Abundant Life During Abundant Trials
Crying out to God, learning to walk by faith and not by sight. Jesus said to expect tribulation but that He had overcome the world.
….with thanksgiving….
Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Reaching deep to find a sense of gratitude changes our entire perspective as we learn to see the blessings in everyday life, troubles and all.
And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it of your own free will. Leviticus 22:29
Letting go of fear and doubt and walking by faith is brave work. We do it for Him. We do it for our kids. We do it for us. That abundant life that we all desire is not found in earthly blessings, it is spiritual blessing–supernatural if you will.
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Blessed are those who mourn.
Blessed are the meek.
And this one too: In our weakness He is made strong.
And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
The power of Christ? Rest upon me? Upon you? Rest… boast even, in your infirmities, sweet mama.
Jesus knows that through our weakness we learn to pray and give thanks to God. He allows this so we learn to trust in Him and Him alone. He knows that in our lowest moments on this earth His power is made manifest. He knows that through this we overcome the world, and in so doing become bright lights in the darkness.
Pray. Trust. Walk. Shine.
Latest posts by Marianne Sunderland (see all)
- Does Your Homeschool Need a Grace Year? - December 30, 2015
- 7 Simple Ways to Wash Your Children in the Word - September 23, 2013
- Mercy and Motherhood - August 16, 2013
- Abundant Life During Abundant Trials - July 9, 2013
I read this in my devotions this morning. It fits perfectly!
Let me find thy light in my darkness,
thy life in my death,
thy joy in my sorrow,
thy grace in my sin,
thy riches in my poverty
thy glory in my valley.
–Puritan Prayer, The Valley of Vision
Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful. Oh what glorious promises God gives us that we can experience abundant life in the midst of abundant trials. Thank you for the encouragement.
I love The Valley of Vision and especially the beautiful paradoxes found in the Puritan Prayer. Thanks for dropping by!
Thanks Heather. Blessings to you!
This is just what I needed to hear for the season I’m in. It’s so easy to take my eyes off of Christ, without even realizing that that’s what I’ve done! Thank you for being an instrument God used to convict me today. Very well written. Thank you.
And thank you for blessing me as well Mama Gill. So glad you were encouraged to lean into the Lord!
This was for me today. Thank you.
Amen and YES YES YES girlfriend!! Standing firm. Walking by faith. Leaning on the wisdom of God!
You’ve armed women with the mighty Sword today!
Love you, sis!