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"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12 NIV)
Recently, I was in a situation where I was being scrutinized by another person about a small mishap in my life. It was by no means anything detrimental, at least to me. In short, I was three minutes late to an appointment. I casually expected some grace on this issue, but to my surprise, I received a confrontation about it. Little did I know that I was holding up someone else's schedule that day. Apparently, it was an important schedule where time was of the essence. My flesh was upset. It was like a wedge was beating into my heart, and this bothered me for the rest of the day.
Later that evening, I casually unloaded the whole story to my husband and expected to receive a nice dose of empathy. Again to my surprise, I received gentle words of a different nature. He said, "Honey, time is the only commodity people have that they cannot get back once it is spent. Just be on time to your appointments and this will never happen again."
I went to my room! Sitting there on my bed, I was about to start praying when I felt that familiar "urge" to grab a pen and paper. The Lord was about to speak!
Bitter Roots
I heard the Lord say, "I am dealing with bitter roots and bitter-root judgments in this hour.
"Do you find yourself in the midst of pressure or offensive circumstances? Are there difficult people who seem to be opposing you? Pause and sit quietly before Me. I will gently and lovingly expose the issues of the heart so that you can be healed and experience a greater depth of freedom." (Photo via Unsplash)
Often, we will rebuke the enemy when trials come. Yet the Lord, in His goodness, is allowing uncomfortable situations and circumstances to arise so that we can learn and overcome them and grow in our character. His grace is sufficient for you, and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). I sense the Lord's encouragement to not back down from pressure, but rather run into it and allow His purposes to be accomplished in you.
Ride the Wave
Ocean waves are a serious force of nature. We laugh and enjoy ourselves when we swim and play with the little ones, but once the waves grow in height equal to ourselves, then the dynamic starts to change quickly! The amount of force they carry grows exponentially to their size. Sometimes, when circumstances are right, ocean waves can become so great that warning signs are posted, prohibiting anyone from entering the ocean waters. Sin and hidden issues of the heart can be like ocean waves. They can grow in strength. If left unchecked, the turbulence will surely take us under!
I heard the Lord say, "Be like a skilled surfer! He does not avoid the large waves but patiently and skillfully moves at the right moment to catch and ride the waves! In this life, trials will come. Choose to see these trials as an opportunity to grow your faith and character! By My Spirit, I am training you to navigate the issues of your heart with the difficult circumstances and brash people who come and go in your life. If you allow Me to do this pruning, you will be promoted and increase even more.
"Refuse to give into self-pity or despair. Don't believe the lies of the enemy that would seek to tell you that your God is not for you! The exact opposite is true! I love you so much and I want nothing but the best for you! Allow Me to heal you so that you will not become bitter. I desire for you to be soft and pliable in My hand." (Photo via Unsplash)
A Calling to Occupy What Is Beyond the Open Door
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My name." (Revelation 3:8 NIV)
The Lord said, "There is much stirring and shaking in both Heaven and Earth. It is the advancement of My Kingdom into the earth realm. This shaking will dethrone many evil ones who stood in places of influence both great and small, visible and behind the scenes.
"Truly, I say unto you, to dethrone these evil ones is not enough! Will you occupy? Will you go through the open door? Will you stand for righteousness? Whose Kingdom will you advance? Truly, the time is here! The open door will present itself. To some, the position and calling will require much. To others, less will be required. Truly, I ask of you, will you do your part, great or small, when the open door comes? Lean in to the pressure and ride the wave! I am molding you into a beautiful instrument of grace, and there is greatness on the other side! You are breaking through into new territory and promotion!"
"He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." (2 Samuel 22:20 NIV)
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Angie Stolba
Living With Confidence
Email:Â lwcministries@angiestolba.com
Website:Â www.angiestolba.com
Angie Stolba has a heart to see people walking in compete freedom and restoration. She shares her testimony at conferences and women's events. Angie enjoys co-laboring with her husband, Jeff, in ministry, as well as pouring into their three daughters. Angie has a genuine passion for God's Word and intercessory prayer. She is the author of the book, Dealing With the Root of Rejection.
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