I’m writing to encourage you to fan into a flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to you when I laid my hands upon you. For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control. - 2 Timothy 1:6-8
The effects of pain and hardship can go deeper than just effecting our physical and emotional state. It can also have an effect on our spiritual state as well, causing us to feel distant from God. The stress and the hurt of life’s trials can affect us so deeply, in a way that causes us to lose sight of what God is doing or if He’s even there at all.
I remember when I walked through the season of losing my mom to breast cancer. There was a time that felt like a dark cloud was over me. I felt lost, and God felt so far away. I had so many questions and anger rose up within me from my lack of understanding. I started allowing the deep pain I felt to take over, opening a flood gate of emotions and doubt. I knew at that moment that I needed to surround myself with friends and family who would uncover truth… who would remind me of who I was and of where God truly was in the midst of my storm.
He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering. - Mark 5:34
Albert Einstein has a quote that says “There are only two ways to live your life: One is as if nothing is a miracle, and the other is as if everything’s a miracle.” Perspective changes everything. When I started leaning on my community and remembering the miracles of life, things began to change. I thought on the beautiful moments I shared with my mom, the lessons I learned through her selfless life, the years I got to share with a mom who was so loving, attentive and wise… all of it. There was beauty in it all. When I began to focus on that beauty, I began to see hope. My hope began to change to strength within my faith, and that strength began to be the testimony used to bring glory to God. But the most amazing part of it all, is that my relationship with God became something real, not religion, not based on what someone else told me or something that can easily be shaken. It became a fire burning wild, bringing me to life.
Pray with me:
God,
Thank you for being there with me through every part of life. Open my eyes to see how you’re with me and working to remove confusion and bring peace that surpasses all understanding. I’m so grateful for all the miracles upon miracles you continue to shower on me daily. The breath in my lungs and the fact that I woke up today is a miracle in itself! Life is challenging and can feel so overwhelming but let my mind rest on the promise, that You have overcome this world. Continue to build up my faith with deep connection and real relationship with you. Even when fear tries to step in, let faith rise up within me.
Amen.
