Tuesday, April 14, 2009

THANK YOU and OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT


I want to thank my two dear friends and fellow bloggers for this award. Please visit Kat and Heart 2 Heart and Sitka at All Gods Creatures. I would urge you to please check out Kat’s latest posts Good Friday, Solemn Saturday, and Sonrise Sunday. Kat’s writings are rich and deep and to be treasured. Sitka and family also have an amazing story to tell and a unique way to share it. You will be blessed by both blogs! I would like to pass this award on to Sharlyn at Dancin' on Rainbows. Her testimony is one of overcoming and growing closer to the Lord. I know you will be touched by her blog. Kat and Andrea, your words and encouragement were very timely, because I have struggled through some discouragement lately.

Here comes my transparency. This week I have agonized over the condition and direction of our country and legislation, all of which hang in the balance. I am deeply, yet prayerfully concerned for our nation. I have also wondered about my writing and my impact in life in general. Sometimes I long to do so much for the Kingdom and feel stuck in doing what seems small or insignificant.

My husband has reminded me it is not about how many people read my blog. (How is that for revealing my heart?) Nor is it ever about having a name, or fame, or accomplishing something considered “lofty”. God has encouraged me in many ways to just be faithful with what He has given me now! I have confessed and repented of comparison, jealousy, selfishness, and faulty measures. (YUCK, I KNOW!) I realize I do fall short of Christ and my only measurement is “Am I obeying and mirroring Christ?” He really does take care of the rest.

Today I had the privilege of sharing Christ with someone who is very close to surrendering his life to the Lord. I couldn’t help thinking if I gave up, how many people would go untouched or “unreached” for Christ. Certainly, the same is true for all of us. If we quit (on whatever God has), we surrender not only ourselves, but also those who we would have reached.

So, my determination once more is to be faithful and not give up, not on my writing, not on my season of life, and definitely not on our nation.

God also reminded me that each of us is driving a train with our own set of train cars. Each train car represents a season in our lives. Some train cars are flashy red and others grey and common. All train cars are important and necessary and together they get us to God’s destination. I used to think of the shiny car as the peak of my destiny. Now, I wonder. In men’s eyes the most visible or most well known are the shiniest. In God’s eyes, He looks deeper. I believe an obedient and humble heart shines brightest before Him. Ultimately, we do all have a deeper place to walk in regards to our giftings and our destiny. But, we cannot despise or judge the train car which now carries us to that place of greater fruitfulness. God doesn’t. In fact, He designed each train car for a specific and beautiful purpose! May the God of all encouragement help you to finish every good work that He sets before you!
I pray that you would be fruitful and further the Kingdom of God in your homes, your neighborhoods, our nation, and the world! Dream big and live wholly for the Lord! And, drive your train car. (After all is said and done, no one else can!)

8 comments:

  1. Oh sweet one...what a beautiful post. GOD is using you in ways far beyond your comprehension. Do NOT allow satan to still your joy or abort the plans GOD has placed in your heart. You are so right...all our train cars look differently. God made us differently for a reason...those you reach I will not be able to and likewise with me. GOD bless you as you continue to walk with HIM.
    By the way....you never truly know how many are reading your blog posts!! You will likely be quite surprised when we get the trackers on there. Love ya, andrea

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  2. what a great post! thanks for being so open!

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  3. "God has encouraged me in many ways to just be faithful with what He has given me now!" For different reasons but I needed to hear this today! thanks

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  4. God speaks volumes through your transparency. May we all mirror Christ in our lives.

    Christi crux est mea lux
    Denise

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  5. Laurie, there have been so many times when I felt as if I could not possibly be making a difference in the world. "Just" being a mom and wife, "just" being a good person, "just" being a good friend, could surely not matter in the big scheme of things.

    My dear sister - it does matter, more than you can possibly know. As one who has seen the result of relentless prayer for her children and spouse, who has struggled with "going against the grain" of those who felt they knew more than I did about a particular situation; who has battled depression and guilt and a host of other YUCKY things and continues to be victorious through Christ alone, trust me in this: YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE.

    Your faith is an inspiration to me. Your aching desire to serve God well, your gentleness and your sweet spirit speak volumes about the kind of woman you are.

    So my dear sister, don't let Satan discourage you! I have already begun praying for peace of mind and spirit for you this night.

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  6. Laurie,
    What wonderful post! And what a surprise to find an award here for my blog. Thanks for the encouragement! I have only been blogging since January. I agree, it is time consuming, and sometimes I wonder if it really touches anyone, but then people I barely know will stop me somewhere and say "I read your blog and it really blessed me." It makes me realize that others I will never know about read and are encouraged in some way, too. Plus the discipline of writing is so good for me. It forces me to spend more time in God's Word. Also, when I'm asked to share something for another purpose, I have many things already prepared and ready to choose from. There. I hope that helps convince you not to give up. Keep writing as long as the Holy Spirit gives you something to write about!

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  7. Laurie,

    Never doubt your ability to make a difference in this world. I applaud your courage and ability to share your most deepest and intimate thoughts with us. It reminds us that in spite of the status of the world and it's economy we must be reminded of a few things.

    God is in control. Nothing passes His hands without His knowledge. We just need to be faithful and true to Him and continue to pray for our current administration and leaders even though it is apparant they are certainly headed in the wrong direction.

    Many men can be lulled into selfish ways by power and greed, after all that is what got us in this situation to begin with. Satan is always raging a war with us on a daily, minute by minute and even second by second basis. We must put on the armor of God and continue to not lose heart in this battle. We must remain in constant prayer that God is using this time to bring back people to prayer and God. After all what other choice do some have besides God?

    Second, we all have special talents and gifts. Even though it may be tempting to want some of what others may have, God is using you, in this particular time and place to reach out to people like myself, that have days, where I too wonder, does anyone really read this? Does anyone really care?

    However, if you look at all the other blogs out there, they are filled with ways of drawing people to the enemy. I feel we need to win them to God. May your blog be used each time you write in it, daily, weekly or even whenever you find the time, to bless the hearts, minds and souls of those reading it.

    I will be praying for you daily! Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  8. You are such an incredibly precious daughter of the King!

    I love when you said, "Today I had the privilege of sharing Christ with someone who is very close to surrendering his life to the Lord. I couldn’t help thinking if I gave up, how many people would go untouched or “unreached” for Christ. Certainly, the same is true for all of us. If we quit (on whatever God has), we surrender not only ourselves, but also those who we would have reached. So, my determination once more is to be faithful and not give up, not on my writing, not on my season of life, and definitely not on our nation."

    Praise the Lord and keep pressing in! You are so necessary to the Kingdom of God! You are a blessing to my life. Don't grow weary in your well doing for the LORD! Love you.

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