Growing in Favor and Stature

(Hi readers! I just wrote an email to a friend, who is also enduring some chronic health issues. However, as I was writing it, it seemed to me that it could serve as an encouragement to others, who are going through rough seasons, not necessarily of illness, but of hard times, trials, difficult places in relationships, finances, or employment. Be encouraged by this Word to all of us, who endure long winter seasons.)


"Little by little, you are getting stronger. One of the things that I have had to look at, when analyzing my overall recovery/rebuilding process, is not looking at the day to day, but the year to year progression of strength. Like this: Feb 2007, I was in critical condition, scaring drs., confined to the premise of my home because leaving it would have set my adrenal glands off and landed me in the hospital (it wasn't a very good season physically), barely any strength to walk around the house, etc., life hanging by a thread. Almost exactly one year later, Feb. 2008, get this, now (this is how the Lord works), I am sitting on a stage singing opera! Yes, I was still weak and had to sit, but I was in a play for crying out loud! Summer 2007, little more strength, but couldn't travel, summer 2008, I'm FLYING to TN! See?

When you have chronic health issues, you have to look at the overall picture. The Lord grew in wisdom and stature and favor with both God and men (Lk. 2:42), He didn't just come to earth, born of Mary all suited up with miraculous power, wisdom, etc...He had to grow from year to year. And if He had to grow in strength, the only perfect Man who ever lived, then by golly, that's how we're going to have to live, ya know?

Anyway, let that encourage you! Look at the years of your (trials), and see how you've come from one year to the next...don't look at the day to day, because that can get a little discouraging for those of us with chronic illness (or struggles), cuz, quite frankly, we can't see or feel hardly any difference...until we adopt God's vantage point of the big picture. Don't only look at the progression of your physical health, though, but also look at the growth of your character and how you've grown in the person that you are! The heartaches and joys we face in the day to day process of suffering are priceless treasures that can only come through trials! That's why James says "count is all joy when you face trials and tribulations" (ref. Jms. 1:2), because what is being molded in you is an incredible treasure chest of wonder and glory from the Father alone! And if it's of God, you know it has to be unimaginably wonderful, right?

Sorry for getting on a little of a soap box, but that just bubbled out of me as I was writing to you! Let this encourage you; it's a Word from your Father, Who loves you and has called you to a divine and awesome purpose. You may not see what it is, but HE does! And it is so so good! He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you could ever dare to hope ask or think! And those of us, who have been called to a walk a road of suffering are in good company! Look at Job, Joseph, Ruth, Daniel, Jeremiah, Paul, and above all, Jesus! Their lives were comprised of suffering, and their rewards were immeasurably great! In fact, the Lord included their stories in the Bible, His WORD to use as examples to not only help His people fight the good fight of faith, but to also be used in the very book/letter that shows us who He is! WOW! Isn't that incredible?!

You hang in their, friend! I don’t know what God has in store for you, but if you keep walking, keep rejoicing, keep persevering, you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Blessings, friend, and have a wonderful week!

Jenness"

Prayer Request

Dear Readers,

I know it has been a while since I have written, but this entry is a little different. I like to ask all of you, those, who have been praying for me, to take a moment and pray for another. Her name is Kristen; I went to high school with her, and she has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer; she is in her late 20s. If you click on the title of this entry, you will be able to access a support website, which has been setup for her. If not: go to this link to learn updates or to even post an encouragement message: http://kickit4kriket.com/kriket/

Also lift up her family members in prayer as well, more specifically Kerry (her mom). As my parents and I know, sometimes, going through seasons of illness is far more difficult for the family members than the one, who is actually going through the suffering. Thank you so very much! The Lord does hear all of our prayers!

Jenness

Make the Decision

Hello readers! Well, its been a while, but I believe the Lord has a Word to share. Had a wonderful time with Him this morning. Though some revelations were more specifically for me, there was another, which I believe applies to all of you.

I was listening to a Joyce Meyer lesson, entitled “Destiny Altering Decisions” (Part 2). One of the last sections of her message included the story of Elisha and Elijah (2 Kgs. 2:2-12). You know it well; Elijah was about to die and tried to send Elisha away. Elisha’s response:

“As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” (vs. 2 emphasis mine)

This happened three times. On one occasion, when they were in the city of Jericho, one of the prophet “students” came up to Elisha and said:

“Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you (over your head) today?” (vs. 5a)

In other words, “Don’t you know that you’re in over your head?” Elisha’s response (I love this):

“Yes, I know; be still.”(vs. 5b, emphasis mine)

I think he was saying more here than just correcting this immature student. I think he was silencing the accuser, the voice of doubt, and his own insecurities and fears. “Yes, I know I’m in over my head. I know that what I am doing is ridiculously radical and rationally absurd. But I am going on with my Master.”

Finally, they reach the place of Elijah’s departure, and Elijah, because of the devotion of his servant, asked him:

“Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” (vs. 9)

This could also be equated with God asking, “What do you want Me to do for you?” (ref. Matt. 21:32). We know that Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s anointing, to which Elijah responded:

“You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you…” (vs.10)

Joyce’s application was this, and her words penetrated my spirit: this was not Joyce speaking only; the Spirit was speaking loud and clearly (in regards to all of our impossible hopes, dreams, and desires, all of which He has placed in us):

“If you stick this thing out to the very end; if you go all the way through with God; if you don’t quit somewhere in the middle; THEN, you’ll get what you want. Yes, you’ve asked Me for a hard thing; you’ve asked for a lot; but if you watch for Me, if you persevere through the hard times, you will receive what you have asked Me for.”

Elisha waited with his master, and Elijah was taken up into heaven in the twinkling of an eye…and Elisha saw it!!! (vs. 12)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I know that every time I think about what the Lord is leading me to pray for, my mind may disagree and my soul may shudder, but my spirit leaps! There’s this supernatural life that radiates through me, an excitement and joy that I cannot explain. If there is anything in your hearts that has the same results in your own lives; if you receive life from your spirit that is unnatural, that gives you this fire and energy, which can only come from the Lord, then, no matter what it takes—go the whole way with Him to the end!

I have set my face like flint. Even if this road requires sacrifice, and even if the fulfillment of it includes persecution (ref. Mk. 10:30), I am going all the way with God! May you do the same.

Blessings and hope this Word encourages you!

Jenness