My dear friend, Susan Hawkins has had a year like no other. After losing her 27-year-old son, Jacob to a rare life-long blood disorder earlier this year. She then experienced serious eye surgery to repair her retina. What followed was an excruciating recovery period of lying face down 24/7 for a week so the retina could heal without issue. She and her family are continuing to face some other long term health challenges, but she is coming through as pure gold. She is an example of experiencing and enduring the fellowship of Jesus’ sufferings; Philippians 3:10 (ESV)
“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
I have asked Susan if I could share her latest blog that she does daily. I trust it will encourage to fulfill what the writer of Hebrews said in 12:1-2.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”
Be encouraged and please continue to pray for Susan, Christine, Caleb and Lee as they continue to work through the grieving process of losing Jacob.
From Susan;
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire realized is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12”
Peace is tantamount to success in My plan for you and this nation. Hope realized and enjoyed brings joy, and all three are necessary for My Church to move forward in My Kingdom's advancement. Listen to Me, child. I am bringing all three and more to your lives, so do not despair. Sorrow is for a little while, and joy comes in the morning.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13'“
Now and forever, My children will rise up in victory over all their circumstances. They were created for just this and will complete the race with the victor's crown. Do not for a minute believe you have been defeated, no matter how you feel. Your feelings do not override My Word. Say "amen" to My promises, and you will see a change in your outlook and your life. The Truth will set you free, this you already know, but realize it is the lie that has you bound in sorrow and mourning. There is light and life in My Word, and it will perform what I send it to do. Amen.
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20”
Now, in line with those promises, make sure you keep your eyes on Me. If you divert them, you will look at the wind and waves and begin to sink. Those who keep their face like flint upon Mine will reach their destination intact and full of the Spirit of Life. This is the plan that will bring so many others into the knowledge of their Savior and Lord. Don't you know that actions speak louder than words? If your actions speak of My saving grace, My victorious way in this life, others will follow, I can promise you.
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7”
Now, as to the hurdles you have been facing. The enemy thinks that by placing obstacles in your path that seem too large to overcome, he can keep you from the goal. He is fooling himself, for your life is hidden in Mine, and I have already overcome. Yes, there is loss in war, and sometimes the battles seem so intense and have taken so much that you do not feel you can go on, but remember that if you know, there is victory, you can build yourself up in your faith and keep running. I promise the reward will be sweet in this life and in the next. Trust Me.
“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:20-21”
I have nothing but good things for you, child. Your heart and soul may seem to fail you, but I am your strength. Lean on Me, and allow Me to carry you when the journey seems too far and rough. I am here for you always, and know the frailty of humanity, for I, too, walked upon the dusty earth and felt all that you feel. This did not stop Me from doing the will of My Father, and He fortified Me so that I could complete the race. Your Father and Mine will do the same for you. Give grace to others where it is needed, knowing you are bathed in it yourself, and do not give up no matter how hard the road seems to your natural vision. I have won the war, and so have you. Amen.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26”