We hope that those who are feeling weak, stressed, overburdened, worn-out, and defeated will find this word of encouragement, and be strengthened in there spirit, to walk another day, in the presence of the Lord, our Shepherd.
It is our deep desire to reach as many of you that the Lord brings our way, that are hurting, broken, beaten down, and lost. Who are feeling alone, fractured, and desperate for healing in ways that are beyond your control and strength.
Our ministry’s focus is to walk along side you, offering spiritual mentoring through discipleship, as we apply God’s scriptural truth to combat the hurts and discouragement that you may be feeling.
One important aspect towards a rewarding life and spiritual walk with Jesus Christ, is being strengthened to press on today, and into tomorrow.
For this to happen, we must recognize our need for strengthening, which happens through a humble spirit that God has placed inside you for a time such as this.
You do not need to put on appearances before your Heavenly Father or Jesus, since he knows you, and is already aware of the circumstances in your midst. Putting on a mask only separates you from honestly approaching him with your frailty, regardless of the underlying aspects that are unique to you, which you may try to hide.
What we hope to offer you is a word of encouragement, to be built up in your spiritual strength, so that you might endure another mile today, through whatever you may be facing, as you walk with your Savior.
It is important for you to recognize that your pain is being experienced all over the world in various ways and circumstances. Scripture tells us, that we will be persecuted for following Jesus. This is repeated again and again for our encouragement, so that we might strengthen one another through our joint adversity in the flesh.
Many may think that they are alone in their trials and tribulations, not aware that even Jesus and his Apostles suffered, to the point of being put to death.
While it is not our intention to downplay your heartache or earthly struggle, we do hope to encourage you, that you are not alone in your suffering. And that we are spurring you on in your fight, to rise up and out of your fleshly circumstance, if at all possible, which has been beating you down, spiritually speaking; and to take another step with your loving Shepherd, who is walking with you.
And there is no better way to do this than finding our strength through God’s encouragement, in scripture. Everything else is a weak substitute, and will never impact your life like God’s word will do.
Yet, one can read God’s word and not benefit by it. Why?, Because our strength is built up through him and his promises, with our application. If we fail to exercise our faith we will not be able to receive his strength that he freely offers. The weights are available for us to benefit from, but we must exercise with them in order for our strength to be built up. No one is made strong by inaction, we must put in the work. However, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV, 2001, Crossway). Is that not the invitation we are seeking after, especially when our strength is already depleted?
This is a relationship that is built on him. Through our desire for healing and restoration, that can only occur through our humility and genuine faithfulness to live with him, through the ups and downs we experience along the way.
Jesus knows the pain you are experiencing, because he came in the flesh to die for your sins, and set you free. He endured the work of Satan, through the actions of mankind against him, yet he did not sin; and finished his earthly ministry with his crucifixion on the cross, so that we might experience his peace and strength when we seek him.
We acknowledge our own weakness in the flesh, just as you are experiencing. Life is hard, but this produces an opportunity for our dependence on Jesus, to strengthen us as we walk with him each day.
God never intended for you to live alone, or live in your own strength. For if you do, you will surely fail.
The following biblical verses are for your encouragement, to be built up in Jesus by, and be strengthened to press on another day. Please know that we are fighting alongside you through our prayers, as brothers and sisters-in-Christ, desiring that no one be left behind on the narrow and hard path that few will find, leading to God’s kingdom.
We hope that you will reflect on each verse, as you claim victory over evil, as you confess them out loud with your lips. The war that is waged against you is designed to make you ineffective, by depleting your strength, to continue on with Jesus Christ.
Scripture says “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
You and I, are fighting a spiritual battle that requires God’s strength to overcome the enemy we face.
Please be encouraged, and leave a comment for areas of prayer you would like for us to pray over.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
“But he said to me, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2Corinthians 12:9).
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2Corinthians 12:10).
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29).
“I love you, O’ Lord, my strength” (Psalm 18:1).
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).
“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1Chronicles 16:11).
“This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless” (2Samual 22:33).
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalm 28:7).
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Psalm 118:14).
“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased” (Psalm 138:3).
“For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me” (Psalm 18:39).
“How you have helped him who has no power! How you have saved the arm that has no strength” (Job 26:2).
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service” (1Timothy 1:12).
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Timothy 3:12).
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2Corinthians 4:17).
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
In Christ.
