If something is worth doing, the road gets a little tougher to get there. Seems to be the norm in this Christian life I live…or Christ Follower as I would rather be called. We do an unjustice in evangelism to portray that once you come to Christ all will be smooth sailing. Not true. This is not the road to expect the lap of luxury, or constant bright sunny skies. Sometimes the opposition is so intense that holding on to Jesus requires two hands, raised high, clenched fists grasping HIS robe..that kind of holding on. BUT it is all worth it! HE does not let go, we will not be lost in the turbulence. Every day as I walk closer to HIM, and become more obedient, my highs are higher with HIM, and the enemy steps up the heat.
As we (my family) move into a different level of reaching out and going in search and rescue for the kingdom…we experience new levels to the extent the enemy will go to sidetrack, and cause grief. We are not left in these situations helpless…no we are powerful in the name of Jesus. HE will always provide for us, HE will always guide and direct, HE will always succeed in HIS plan. HE is unstoppable! What a wild ride! There is no place for compromise here, my GOD is in control and HE rules…
If you are in ministry, and you are holding out the gospel, expect some opposition, but also expect our God to walk you through the fires and not get burned…through the flood waters and not drown..HE knows the way, hold on tight, and believe. Life is to be lived here as well as Heaven…Live it for HIM, with reckless abandon…this is all a journey to get back home. We have FOREVER to live without the enemy, don’t let him stop you..Jesus has the authority over him…and has given you the power of using HIS name…use it!
Thank you Father God, you are the King of Kings, and nothing will every get past your knowlege or sight. You know the plans you have for us, help us to find the ones who are crying out for you, help us to have the endurance we need to hold on to you, and still reach out. There is none like you, and the enemy is under our feet in your sons precious name! We love you, and we need you desperately, we know that every breath we take is ordained by you. On the journey to get back home, and wanting to leave no one behind. Your princess who is overwhelmed with the needs of this world, and knowing you are the only way.
ponderings of a princess... 
“Life is to be lived here as well as Heaven…Live it for HIM, with reckless abandon…this is all a journey to get back home. ”
I love this statement!
Isaiah 58: 13 says “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day…”
I love that this says we can have interests. We can enjoy life! We can live life in Joy, reckless abandon (orderly in Him of course 😉 ) with excitement. Even in those turbulent times, that like you said are FOR SURE to come, we can celebrate knowing that His will will always be done here. That frees us to be free in Him…if that makes sense at all.
This is such a great post Darla!
I was thinking about you and Heidi earlier. I always say you guys should write devotionals. You both should start a website together or a daily devotional that gets sent to people via email. You have a such a gift for speaking truth in love and without sounding condescending. Thank you for pouring your heart out into your writing. I am beyond blessed by you!!
Thats why he challenges us to follow him. I think He usually takes us where our interests lie and certainly where He can use our talents.
This is sooooo gonna be worth it!!!!!! Thank you Jesus for your continued blessings and for the strength we need to keep the upper hand. May we be able to stay strong and continue to shine for YOU 😎
I love that Peter was warned by Jesus — “Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat,…
But Jesus said, “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Satan has his hopes, but Jesus has us covered.
He has a purpose in it all – His will be done.
Thanks for the reminder, Darla.
“Life is to be lived here as well as Heaven…Live it for HIM, with reckless abandon”
Reckless abandon! Yes, that is passion – passion for God – to spread His love – planting seeds. It is hard work, we will get blisters from time to time, but if we keep at it…they WILL sprout, if enough care is given. If each of us does our part. Thank you Jesus for your love! Your power!
I think I should find an automatic comment software program where it can say “I LOVE YOU DARLA” at the beginning of every comment.
I was really encouraged by your post and I was reminded that as followers of Christ we are ALL called to minister and be ambassadors. Each and every one of us who believes in Him and belongs to His kingdom is in some form of ministry [marriage, parenting, formal church ministry, work, school, hey even in the grocery story!] and so we are all susceptible to the enemy’s attack [he seeks to devour] but like Michelle said, praise be to GOD, who has given us authority to trample over the snakes and scorpions layed in front of us by the enemy. In the storms. We have victory. In the sun. We have victory. In the valley. We have victory. In sadness. We have victory. In joy. We have victory. “But you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame.” Psalm 44:7
Thank you again for allowing your gift of sharing God’s truth to encourage us. XOX
Qualification for being a disciple: ‘having been with Jesus’. that is what the leaders of the synagogue remembered when they wondered about the boldness of Peter nd John on the streets of Jerusalem on Penetecost. And what does that mean? As near as I can figure, they were chosen, trained, empowered and sent.
AMEN to that!
Hi Darla. I like this post very much. Thank you for sharing. HOLD. ON. TIGHT.
God bless,
Sherma