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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Spiritual Strife Shock

 We all have moments when we feel down, crushed, desperate; those moments when you hurt so much that you focus on your pain entirely. You scramble, attempting to recall Bible verses, but you are in so much pain that the voice of reason is barely audible. The voice of pain screams, muffling everything else. Fellow Christians  tell you that everything will work out in accordance with the Lord's will. However, pain engulfs you to the point where you don't want to hear any of it anymore. You run  away from God. Sometime later--for some people can be moments for others days., or even longer---you feel ashamed and guilty because of what has happened. All that time God is waiting for you to come back to Him. He waits with arms spread wide.



As Christians we cannot lose our salvation, but we can destruct our sanctification-- walk with God. In some cases, when a person refuses to repent. the Lord can give that believer's body to Satan for destruction, so the spirit can be preserved.
The way we live our lives affects others. Our lives are testimonies of our faith. Whenever we endure trials we are supposed to count them as joy, because the are ripen our faith.
As for me, I am not at that level yet. Trials do come my way. During hard times I am not joyful. My sinful nature turns on "self-pity" mode. 'Why me' is the default phrase. Last week it was so bad that I even refused to listen to a best friend who tried to share Bible verses with me. I was furious with God. So much so that I didn't even read my Bible. I have memorized few Bible verses but they didn't strike cord either, my heart was at its pinnacle of rebellion. So, I turned on some African Gospel music, not because I wanted to listen to God's word through music,  because I love the beat not because of lyrics . Slowly I began to pay attention to lyrics of songs. My heart became softer, until tears have streaked my face. My hand reaches out and grabs the Bible. I began to read. Prayer follows the action--sanctification with my Heavenly Father restored.
The next day I became angry at one of my classmates because that person refused to take my advice and we ended up to stay longer in chemistry lab in order to finish the experiment.
In the midst of it all Satan comes in and accuses me. It's important to remember that salvation is by faith only. True/genuine faith produces fruit. Each and everyone of us has different fruit.In some cases manifestation of fruit takes longer. Unfortunately, some Christian denominations believe that after salvation you have to experience certain things, if you haven't--you are not saved. Some people will have those experiences while others will not. Somebody told me that my salvation was not real because I haven't experienced certain things.
We can't assign God's work a blueprint. The Lord works in the most amazing ways. Each of those ways is different. We expect big miracles while letting small to go by unnoticed.  Jesus said that those who cannot be trusted with little things, cannot be trusted with big tasks. This is why we hear from so many people say that there are no miracles. I don't believe in luck. Those lucky moments are miracles: extension on the assignment, a surprise phone call from a friend, toothpaste on sale, safe journey from home to work--few ones I have had this week so far.
There is another thing--Devil can quote Bible verses, but he twists the verses. The war is never over until we get to heaven.We may have a repose from battles, but not from the war.

     
No matter what's on the go, God is always aware of everything that's going on in the world.

     

8 comments:

  1. Dear Irina,
    I was so touched by reading this post. You were speaking and writing from the depth of your heart and I felt it. Sanae (Japanese sister) wrote to me, telling me that you wrote this new post! She was so impressed, so did I! I appreciate your complete honesty and transparency. When I read your struggles and faith, I feel that I am not alone in struggling these issues. My faith was strengthened.

    “The way we live our lives affects others. Our lives are testimonies of our faith.” Yes, you are right, absolutely right, Irina.

    Now your life itself has been speaking to me. Through your faith journey, I see His light, His grace and His power.

    Thank you so much for sharing with us. With love and thanks, Kinuko

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    1. Kuniko, I'm so glad that you like the post. Honestly, I even thought to stop blogging until You commented on my headcovering testimony.
      It's amazing how God works in most unusual way. May god bless you.

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    2. Dear Irina, I have been so blessed by your testimonies and sharing. If it is possible, please do continue to share your heart with us! Please write freely whatever God put you in your heart.It is through your honest writings that I gained courage to open my heart and start blogging honestly.Your transparency and simple heart make my heart warm and relax. In a word, you are such a blessings to me, Irina. with love and thanks, Kinuko

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  2. Dear Irina, I came to your blog to say I am thinking of you and I love dearly like my own little sister. Sanae is also praying for you and your family. Our hearts are so near to you. We pray to God that He would bless all areas of your life and fill you with joy every day. from your sister in Christ, Kinuko

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    1. Dear Kinuko,
      I'm so thankful for you, Sanae, and Jessica. Your encouragement means a lot to me. I also pray for all of you.
      Your sister in Christ, Irina

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  3. Dear Irina. Today is our prayer day and I am thinking of you from the morning. I pray that our Lord gives you timely help and support in your daily walk and richly bless you in human relationships. I also pray that He would protect and meet the needs of your mother. Our journey continues and I am glad that we can walk along together. from your fellow headcovering sister, Kinuko

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  4. Dear Irina,
    Hello, how are you? This is Kinuko. Irina, I want to send a little gift to you as a toke of my thanks and friendship. May I ask your post address? May God bless you richly. Have a blessed day. Kinuko

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    1. Dear Kinuko,
      I sent you my address via private message; please send me your address. I would love to send you a gift as well. Thank you for your encouragement.
      Irina

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