September 22, 2022

I can’t believe more than half the year is over, much of it muddled in the mess of the pandemic.

I had some ultimate trying times these past few weeks, currently dealing with 24+ hr power outage, sweltering heat, flea infestation, distance learning, continued COVID restrictions, etc.

It‘s almost laughable how much stuff is going on right now, and normally, I would get so worked up, frustrated, and defeated.

But now, I try to view it in different light. These ordeals are part of my assignment in learning to rejoice always, no matter the outward circumstances. So now, I am trying very hard and learning to be happy and thankful, rejoicing and keeping the happiness despite the difficulties. Once I’ve mastered this, I can know that more of my old man has died, and my inner man is strengthening. Oh, how I wish I can just grow in a heartbeat! But it’s difficulties that produces endurance, and endurance, character. I am so looking to Paul as the ultimate role model and making more room in my heart for Jesus.

I’ve been constantly battling negative thoughts which I know are not normal, and I repent for thinking that way. I need to rejoice in the tough times and be tough, fight on, for if God is for me who can be against me?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart; but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

Romans 5:3-4  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.    

Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?