Jesus went to Jerusalem intentionally to be sacrificed for all humanity. Will you challenge yourself to have faith right now?
Where is your Jerusalem? What is it God is asking you to sacrifice? Where is it that you need to challenge your faith right now? Maybe there is an idol in your life that is taking you away from your service to God.
I know that my son, Luke, became my idol & God asked me numerous times to stop putting Luke before Him. But I wouldn’t listen. So, God took Luke away in the most painful way possible. He allowed my son to get murdered. It broke me, but it also opened my eyes and showed me that I could not have 2 masters.
Then God used my pain and asked me again to serve him by writing my memoir. I felt this was too much to ask because I would have to re-live all of my pain. But I challenged myself to have faith and spent 4 months working all day to complete & publish my book. Recently, God told me the book is not the way He intends it to be, so I am back at the drawing board. This time, with a Christian coach/mentor who is teaching me new ways to have faith.
Never quit trusting God. Instead, continue to challenge your faith?
I never stopped trusting God, and I know He will use all of my hard work for His glory. As a bonus, God used the writing of my book to help me deal with my grief. He helped me to process my emotions by making me re-live them over & over. I grew a little stronger each time.
In difficulties, we find out how strong or how weak we are.
Our difficulties show us how much or how little faith we have in God. Do you believe Romans 8:28? “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Without adversity, we do not know how much faith we have.
Are you willing to go to your Jerusalem, the place where you know God is going to sacrifice you? Do you have enough faith?
If you don’t willingly go there, God will eventually take you there, and trust me; it will be a lot more painful if it is forced on you. But the outcome will always serve His purpose. It may not be a “place” that God is calling you to; it may be a “ministry or people” God is telling you to help. Is God calling you to serve someone, and you are putting it off? If so, now is the time to say “yes” to him. You will not regret it.
God will never call you anywhere he can’t use you. So, take that leap of faith & trust that God will put you right where you need to be. Remember that blessings always follow obedience.
Losing a loved one is a huge sacrifice but I never believe that our Heavenly Father allows this to happen… I have faith to know that the free will of others can change the path that we are traveling and our Father will always be there to guide us.. Keeping you in my positive thoughts and prayers!
Thank you, Holly! God is using my horrifying experience for my good. Romans 8:28 I believe in free will but nothing happens that he doesn’t first allow. I see a lot of good happening because of my son’s death and for that I am grateful!
May your son’s memory always be a blessing! <3
Thank you, Katharine. I love sharing my memories and thinking about him often. He is never far in my thoughts.
Losing your son was a tragedy, but I don’t believe God took him. I believe it was a man who did that. God has given us free will to make our choices. Some do not choose well and, unfortunately, the consequences are sometimes tragic.
I agree that God allows free will, although he has the ultimate control. Someone made a terrible choice that day, and my son paid the ultimate price.
If we never had anyone to love, we would not know how to live. I still am reminded how I need to put my God before my kids. It’s tough. I’m so sorry you lost him in that way. Powerful story you have. Thanks for sharing something so difficult and personal.
Thank you for your very kind words, Debbie
Trying to find positives to come out of tragedy can’t always be easy.
I am an optimist, so I always look for the positive.
I’m sorry for the loss of your son 🖤 I’m glad you have faith to help you through.
Thank you, Alexis.
So sorry for the loss of your son.
Thank you, Elaina.
We are all called to serve, having the strength to follow through is a challenge sometimes
I pray every day for the strength to succeed.
Your work and your faith are inspiring. God surely has you in His hands!
Losing a loved one is very hard, especially a child. I am so inspired by your strength, courage, and sharing with others.
Angela, thank you. God lights my path and directs my steps every day.
Hearing God’s call to our hearts and obeying can be tricky. Good job Momma! I can only imagine how difficult this journey has been for your family.
It is difficult, Barbara, but I am blessed beyond words. Our God is powerful.
Thanks for sharing such a personal story. I’m sure your faith has helped others that have gone through difficult things.
I have learned to trust God and let go of everything else. When necessary I remind myself of the deep trust I have, with words that bring me back to that awareness.