WHO WILL YOU HELP... October 18 2014
Sometimes we go through the worst trials and the worst mess, but we don't realize until it's over that God was with us, orchestrating it all so we can be a blessing to others and help them get through. We have to see God's hand deliver us in order for us to tell someone and truly testify that they can make it out also.
In undergrad I remember reading once about one of the Supreme Court Justice's who had no life experience. He was well versed and had written books, papers, and so forth, but he couldn't identify with all people as he had never been homeless, he was never poor, had never been abused, raped, molested, was never strung out on drugs or alcohol, etc. He could identify with the affluent, but that was probably it. Maybe that's why politicians kiss babies and take pics with the mom. He/she want to portray themselves as being 'one with the people.' But their life experiences aren't always real, nor their ability to identify with every cause, and that's one of the reasons I love that Jesus said "Come as you are."
I was once at church and watched people as they went up for prayer. The pastor pulled up a lady who was abused and had women pray over her and someone who had previously been healed from abuse prayed for her and stood in the gap, so to speak, as she identified with what she had likely gone through. Another time, a man went up for prayer because he was drinking and abusing drugs. He was later counseled by men who had gone through the same plights and could help him to be stronger because they knew the patterns and pitfalls of what he had gone through.
Always remember that what you're going through right now is not permanent, but might be meant as an on the job training, if you will, so you can help others, inspire others and pull them out of the pit that you were once in. If you only knew then that it wouldn't last and that God had greater and better things ahead, maybe you wouldn't worry so much, cry so much or panic. Easier said than done, right? If only it were that simple. We don't and can't always know what God is doing, but trust Him. Trust, pray and praise, and don't curse, complain and grow bitter. Stay inspired and encouraged. God is going to do great things through you and in you, in His timing! And remember when you're going through a trial: Think about the people you will help when you get out of this and get through this battle. You are only going through it. You're not staying in it and you are coming out. To God be the glory!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11
In undergrad I remember reading once about one of the Supreme Court Justice's who had no life experience. He was well versed and had written books, papers, and so forth, but he couldn't identify with all people as he had never been homeless, he was never poor, had never been abused, raped, molested, was never strung out on drugs or alcohol, etc. He could identify with the affluent, but that was probably it. Maybe that's why politicians kiss babies and take pics with the mom. He/she want to portray themselves as being 'one with the people.' But their life experiences aren't always real, nor their ability to identify with every cause, and that's one of the reasons I love that Jesus said "Come as you are."
I was once at church and watched people as they went up for prayer. The pastor pulled up a lady who was abused and had women pray over her and someone who had previously been healed from abuse prayed for her and stood in the gap, so to speak, as she identified with what she had likely gone through. Another time, a man went up for prayer because he was drinking and abusing drugs. He was later counseled by men who had gone through the same plights and could help him to be stronger because they knew the patterns and pitfalls of what he had gone through.
Always remember that what you're going through right now is not permanent, but might be meant as an on the job training, if you will, so you can help others, inspire others and pull them out of the pit that you were once in. If you only knew then that it wouldn't last and that God had greater and better things ahead, maybe you wouldn't worry so much, cry so much or panic. Easier said than done, right? If only it were that simple. We don't and can't always know what God is doing, but trust Him. Trust, pray and praise, and don't curse, complain and grow bitter. Stay inspired and encouraged. God is going to do great things through you and in you, in His timing! And remember when you're going through a trial: Think about the people you will help when you get out of this and get through this battle. You are only going through it. You're not staying in it and you are coming out. To God be the glory!
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11
