At some point in our lives, we have experienced heartache, disappointment, frustration, or pain that shook us to our very core. Without a doubt, we know God’s grace kept and sustained us. Years ago, with God’s help, I preached a sermon about when a viper fastened on Paul’s hand as he laid a bundle of sticks on the fire. As the venomous beast hangs on his hand, those nearby looked, knowing Paul should have swollen or fallen dead suddenly, but instead, he shook it off and felt no harm. I titled my message “It Should Have Killed You!” Are there situations or circumstances in your life that could have and should have killed you, but God? Today you can say, “I Am A Survivor!”
To be sure, life presents many challenges. Way before there was a pandemic, there were trials and tribulations we had to endure. The pandemic didn’t help and, in some instances, intensified our hurts and pains. However, we serve an awesome God who can take us through the fires that come forth in life. If you are like me, I sometimes ask God why, even though I shouldn’t. But my human side gets weary though I know God has me in His hands of comfort and safety. Because of Him, I can say, “I Am A Survivor!”
Although, most of you reading this post may have been able to shake the devil off like Paul. On the other hand, my sisters, so many hurting women are not where you may reside presently. They are still suffering from past or present hurts. Every smile you see is not because of inner peace or joy; sometimes, they keep the individual from crying. They have a long way to go before saying, “I Am A Survivor!”
Most importantly, our survival can be a natural source in helping others who don’t have the strength to keep moving forward daily. Let me be clear; it doesn’t mean the person does not have a relationship with the Lord. We all lack strength at times as we face situations in life. The scriptures tell us, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.” You may not be weak today or was weak yesterday, but more days are coming ahead.
Lastly, if you would like to share an experience that you know without God’s strength, you would not have survived, that would be awesome. Remember, you can use “anonymous.” Who knows the life you may enrich through your sharing. Many times people don’t want others to think they are weak. Let me tell you something none of us are as strong as we may appear all the time. We don’t tell our story. We only show the glory, but believe me, there is a story behind each page of glory! Your story could encourage and help someone else. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Acts 28:5. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “What’s the Good Part?”
Be encouraged, and God bless!
Sister Jackie
This is a good reminder that we have gotten through 100% of our trials and made it to the other side. Let this be a reminder that if we stick with Christ, we will be able to shake some of these trials off and will not die!
Amen! Let’s continue to shake the devil off! We shall live and not die from our trials, pain, and heartaches! Thank you for sharing, and God bless and keep you through His love and mercy!
What a Beautiful Awesome and Encouraging Word. You are so right, we all have our own personal stories, and every smile or gesture is not rooted in “happiness”, but simply a standard upheld by the promise of the Joy of the Lord that keeps the broken heart from shattering to irreparable pieces, suffering even greater shame!
Like many other people, whether they acknowledge it or not, some of these situations were of my own bad choices and some were just circumstances that I had no choice over, BUT God!!! For He is yet, today, in this season of my life, saving me from destruction by outside forces, but even the more, “saving me from my own self”!! Thank You God!!!
I think sometimes because of the shame, fear of humiliation, ridicule and judgement of others, it is too much for us to bear to let our hurt show outwardly, so God helps up and lifts us up and allows us to walk through it, and thereby strengthens us in our weakness. Thereby I too am a Survivor, – for by the Love of God, when we are weak, by Him alone, we are made strong!!!
Thank You so much for sharing such powerful words of encouragement!
Thank you so much for the encouraging words and for sharing your inner thoughts. Yes, the love of God makes us strong. Thank you, Jesus, for your love, grace, and compassion! May the strength of God keep you uplifted for such a time as this. God bless you, my Sister.