Facing the Giants in Front of Me

My testimony keeps changing.

It sometimes seems fluid with the changing of seasons and circumstances. As it ebbs and flows, I am left exhausted. The old saying, “God never gives you more than you can handle” seems quite faulty these days. I am handling it, but not always graceful.

As I grasp on to my faith, I reflect on the Lord’s goodness in our life circumstances despite the trials thrown at us. Holding it together is a must in our desperate times, and I know that it is not a task that should ever be done without the Lord.

My current season is this: I am a mother of four and a plate full of homeschool curriculum, volunteer and missionary work, church commitments, being a supportive military wife, helping a special needs child navigate life-changing opportunities, health issues, and anxiety, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and the saddened yet elated heart of a mom about to graduate her first child out into the adult world. I am also burdened for the pre-born and their parents. My heart is heavy and I face sleepless nights.

But in all of this, God is so very good.

I need Him each and every day. When I admit this, I can see Him shining through all of the doubts smacking me in the face. I can feel His presence when I am fighting an uphill battle. I know that He is carrying my cross with me when I face defeat in my outreach. I hold on to His love when I fight self-defeat.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The world has trouble and suffering. That is what sin gets us. We don’t get a free pass when we commit ourselves to the Lord. God desires for us to look for wisdom in our suffering.

Suffering reveals What We Truly Believe In

Suffering reveals what we truly believe in, and where we place our hope and strength. Adversity produces spiritual maturity. We must face discomfort without any false hope, but with the truth of God’s Word.

James 1:2-4 says: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Jesus is our model. He suffered for us. We can stay steadfast in our faith and trials because of Him. We are blessed as we remain in Him through all things.

Vs. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

I have believed in God my entire life. I know who He is. Why I doubt myself in Him is my burden of sin, my bondage. And in this, my chains need to break. My trials do not need to hold me down any longer.

Facing the Giants with Courage

I am strong in Him. Facing the giants in front of me with the Lord as my badge of courage allows for my heart to soar.

God has moved mountains and will do so again. He conquered death, so why should I ever fear a life of trouble? I am His.

Do not allow uncertainty to hold you back. The Lord will see you through. He gives you victory in adversity and hope in hardship.

God knows your heart. He will use you for His purpose and glory, even if it means that you have to put through the fire. Hold on to Him.

Maryann strives to encourage other followers to step outside of their comfort zone to reach their community with the hope of the cross. You can find her writing at Coming to the Light You can also find her sharing God's Word and her ministry on Facebook and Instagram.

---