"And we know that in ALL things God works for the GOOD of those who love Him, those who are called according to His purposes." - Romans 8:28
I just want to declare this as truth to all of us. We are not in this battle alone. He promised He would NEVER leave or forsake us. We are in the center of HIS strong hands and He is working for our good. I think that writing this out write now is just a reminder to me as well as an encouragement to you. I found out this morning after being really sick last night that I am in the beginning stages of malaria. And I say this not to gain sympathy but to remind us that we are not alone. I have been working through this idea the last hour and God has been reminding me of his faithfulness through emails and encouragements that I received today. He just kept saying "Lauren, you are more than a conqueror through me." And I want to declare that to you as well. You are more than a conqueror through Him who LOVED you. I don't know each person's situation, I don't know who will read this blog, but God does. He knows your name. He knows every hair on your head, and He is so in love with you. Be encouraged. He has never and will never leave you. He is walking with you in this rough spot.
One of my best friends, and my youth pastor, Angela, wrote me today and said it perfectly "Try to enjoy it even in the tough times. Remember Romans 5:1-11 - allow everything that is hard to develop perseverance in you, perseverance - character, and character - hope. And hope will never disappoint us!!" (Hope you don't mind me using that Ang!) We might be hard pressed on every side, but we are NOT CRUSHED. We might be perplexed, but we are NOT IN DESPAIR. We might be persecuted, but we are NOT ABANDONED. We might be struck down, but in the NAME OF JESUS - WE ARE NOT DESTROYED. Declare this. It is truth. I am working on declaring it myself now. You are not alone - remember this.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may STRENGTHEN you with power through his Spirit in your INNER being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through FAITH. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in LOVE, may have POWER, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to KNOW this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be FILLED to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably MORE than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work WITHIN us, to him be GLORY in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Eph. 3:16-21)
In HIS STRONG hands,
Lauren
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5 comments:
Hi Lauren,
I heard from your mom this morning about the malaria and have been praying ever since. I asked the Lord "Why?" and heard back, "For my glory to be revealed." It was an echo of the NT story when they ask why the boy was born blind...who sinned? I am praising God for His glory in this situation and for His power to reside in and through you. Continue to praise, "put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" and rebuke the enemy's schemes! Blessings from Roanoke, Martie Byrd
Lauren, I love you and I know that you the good Lord will get you through this. We're all praying for you.
Phil. 1:3
Marcia and I are of course praying for you. We know it's going to be rough. We hope you can laugh, cause how many people can say they've had malaria? I'll probably get in trouble for joking with you, but you know we love you immensely and wish you all the best that God can offer. God has a plan for you in this temporary struggle and will not give you more than you can handle. You are armed with courage and faith.
Lauren, I just heard this morning that you have malaria. I'd already prayed for you and now understand the urgency. Please know our family will be lifting you up often. We send love and thanksgiving for your passion for Jesus.
hey hottie! thanks for sending me a link to your blog! you are such a blessing and encouragement....love on those kids for me and i pray that the Lord continues to give you strength. I truly believe that it is one of the hardest things on earth to see a sweet, innoncent child in pain. It rents my heart apart. But such is the pain we must face until our loving, heavenly Father comes again! I love you and am praying for you. Take care of yourself, even though you are a Caledon lady and if I learned anything last year it is that Caledon women are tough in the Lord! Infinite hugs and kisses for you and the children you work with. xoxoxo Luisa ;-)
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