Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Me, Bear Suffering? & Wednesday's Prayer Girls & LinkUp Party

Just last night my husband and I were talking, ahem... arguing... over my bike. We had gone biking with some friends last Saturday. I am not a big biker, but I really like it when we go bike riding. I am also not in shape. Everyone we went with is in shape. That was sort of what the argument was about (you get the picture).

I kept defending myself (A few minutes later, I asked my husband, son, and the Lord to forgive me for the way I was talking for yes, I am sorry to say I even blurted out a cuss word, twice, which I regret but asked all to forgive me when the heat cooled down).  Then, this morning, here's what I read by Fenelon:

See God's hand in the circumstances of your life. Do you want to experience true happiness? Submit yourself peacefully and simply to the will of God, and bear your sufferings without struggle.  Nothing so shortens and soothes your pain as the spirit of non-resistance to your Lord. 

As wonderful as this sounds, it still may not stop you from bargaining with God. The hardest thing about suffering is not knowing how great it will be or how long it will last. You will be tempted to want to impose some limits to your suffering. No doubt you will want to control the intensity of your pain.

Do you see the stubborn and hidden hold you have over your life? (This is Juana here interjecting. I know that people suffer far worse than a disagreement with a spouse, but I think this applies well here, too, as I wanted a hold on my opinion which I thought was so right, and I was not peaceful nor bearing the "suffering" without struggle, as Fenelon said up above!) This control makes the cross necessary in the first place. Do not reject the full work that the power of the cross could accomplish in you. (I forfeited it in this test, but I am resolved not to forfeit the power of the cross in me in the next test! -JM)

May the Lord deliver you from falling into an inner state in which the cross is not at work in you! God loves a cheerful giver... Imagine how much He must love those who abandon themselves to His will cheerfully and completely—even if it results in their crucifixion!

Maybe dear Sister, you too, want to pray this with me today if you have allowed stubborness to have a hold on your life as I did last night! 

Dear Lord, Teach me to see Your hand in everything, and to peaceable accept a situation, bearing any suffering without struggle, but resting in You. You are sufficient Lord. Thank you for the cross where Jesus already bore my sin and shame. Your mercies are new each day, oh Lord! Amen. 


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It's time for 
Wednesday's Prayer Girls & Link-Up Party!

Each Wednesday I like to offer to pray for your non-confidential prayer request or praise in the comment section below. Please enter a prayer if you would like me to pray for you (and pray for one another!) and I will be reading your prayer and lifting up your request as I read it, or if you just have a comment (click the word "COMMENT" located below my signature below, under the colorful social media 
sharing squares:-)


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If you're a Christian blogger, we all would love to see what you've been writing! Enter your blog link below to join the party! For readers, enjoy the blog party below!
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I'd love to connect with you on your favorite spot:

You may follow my blog here or on Bloglovin'. 

It is my delight to pray for you! 
Remember, God desires us not only to be a believers, but to be wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ! May we listen to Him daily through His word, and obey Him!

Walk by faith,




9 comments:

  1. Oh Lord, thank You that You died for our sin, and we have forgiveness in You! Thank you that your mercies are new every morning! Oh Lord, I am so glad You do not run out of mercy! Thank you also for providing direction and a job for my son, John. Amen.
    What can I pray for you?

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    1. Abba Daddy, Yes, we thank You for Your tremendous Grace that You forgive us! Highest praise and thanks for providing for John! We love You! Amen

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  2. I just found your blog. Always looking for ways to connect with like minded women.
    Thanks for hosting a Wednesday link up party! Have a beautiful day!

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    1. Hi Melanie and welcome! So glad you found us over here in our little corner of cyberspace. May we glorify the Lord together on Internet, Juana

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  3. Baby is due on Sunday, 15th so we are still on baby watch. Prayers for hubby as he starts new job next week!

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    1. Lord, we lift up these wonderful firsts in the Hagan family. We pray for a good delivery and hospital experience as the baby is due on Father's Day! May everyone grow closer to one another and to You through the birth of this loved baby. We thank you for the new job for Jana's husband and the fresh beginning that it offers. We pray for Jana's husband that his first week will go smoothly. In Jesus' name, Amen

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  4. Wonderful words, Juana. Thank you for sharing. I have a friend who has been struggling with an serious situation for many years. She has persevered in her faith walk, but wonders, questions and rants at the “how long” portion of the equation. Your words are encouraging to many!

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    1. Yes that "how long" must be a common one among many who suffer! We ask, how long, Lord? But ah, to bear it patiently without a struggle as Fenelon said is a challenge we need to take on. May your friend have Christ's peace in her trial. Kelly, you are such an encouragement to me, in writing today here, and in your sweet comments on twitter. Thank you for being, well, you!

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