Lonely? Bored? Miserable? Part 3

1. Miserable? Take up Faith! 

1. “In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God...praying at all times in the Spirit”...(Ephesians 6:16-17 and part of verse 18)

Faith, paired with the helmet of salvation (Psalm 51:12-13 and Psalm 118:14) and the sword that is the Word of God, (“sharper than any two-edged sword”~Hebrews 4:12) all work together through prayer to “guard our hearts and minds” (Philippians 4:7) against the enemy (“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”~Ephesians 6:12).

So, here are some promises from God’s Word that are functioning as a shield, helmet and sword to encourage, guard and fight for me:

~ “For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you”...[my shield of faith reminding me of God’s promises to me] (Isaiah 55:12)

~ “So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” [my helmet reminding me of my salvation by Christ Jesus] (Isaiah 51:11)

~ “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption [a reminder to me of my eternal salvation, which acts as a helmet to guard my mind against the lies of the enemy; this reminder also increases my faith and acts as a shield against the enemy’s attacks against me]. You make known to me the paths of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore [emphasis added].” (Psalm 16:8-11; read also Acts 2:28)

       B. “Being Miserable”, as it relates to the truth I’ve experienced here in India: 

I would be deceiving you all if I made you assume by my words that it has been “a bed of roses” for me in India; it hasn’t. My companions and I have had our fair share of “discomforts” since we’ve been here-but that is just what they are. They are not “things leading to death”...or are they? Well, in the physical sense, no-at least, I don’t think so...[Momma, please do not be worried!] lol. But, if we are talking about my “death to self”, then yes; these discomforts of mine are leading to death. Praise JESUS! 

A tattoo on Mackenzie's foot (one of my travel companions)
In Greek, the literal translation is: "Impaled with Christ";
Loosely translated: "Crucified with Christ"

In fact, these “light and momentary afflictions” are “working for [me] a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”...(2 Corinthians 4:16-18).  

This world is not my home and this body of mine, though I appreciate it, is not the part of me that is eternal-it is not the best thing. C.S. Lewis said it well, “You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body [emphasis added].” 

Paul speaks of his “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians chapter 12. In verse 10, he concludes, “Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” In verse 9 Paul relays to his audience how he had asked the LORD three times to take away his “thorn”. The LORD’s response? “My grace is sufficient for you for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And what is Paul’s exaltation? “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”! So, even as in my body I am being made weak, my soul and spirit are being made STRONGER day by day! Thank You, Lord Jesus!!! He IS Enough! 

So yes, here in India, I have so far experienced pains, sickness, “discomforts” and challenges of various kinds-[I definitely do appreciate all of your prayers! :)]. But none of which can compare to the growth and healing that my soul and spirit are experiencing. I do believe that as I learn to walk after my Shepherd, though with lame feet I follow, He truly does make me lie down in green pastures, beside still waters and restores my soul daily (Psalm 23). I am NOT miserable, as I sometimes feared/fear I would/will be; I am simply being reminded of the truth of my frailties as one who is imperfect, but who is also being transformed by the Perfect Lamb of God! =D (Romans 12:2)