“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—  always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.  For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”

2 Cor. 4:8-11

GOTTA PRAY, GOTTA PRESS-ON TO THE PRIZE WORTH FIGHTING FOR….

These words have been a constant running through my head and heart.  Speaking it out.  Singing it out as it is wonderful lines from a recent song I discovered.

You know, when life hits you smack! Smack! Smack! From one kind of pain in life to another all encompassed in a continue  attack, obstacles, trials on every side.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Put ON The Armor of God

 ^“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Eph. 6:10-18

This morning I awoke, prayed.  Usually I pour my cup of coffee and pick up the Word.   I just felt compelled I needed to sit with that cup of coffee and WORSHIP and PRAISE my GOD at the beginning of this day.

Then as I listened to the playlist, and each song that came on, and I sang my heart out, words popped out.  Comfort.  Promises.  Truth. Encouragement.  And worship to the HOLY, POWERFUL, LOVING, GOD Who is present and at work.

Here are words that jumped out at me that I wanted to share, that perhaps may be an encouragement to you.

Be a people on our knees.  I praise the God Who gives & takes away.  Every tear I’ve cried  You hold in your hand.  You never left my side.  Though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.  I lift my eyes unto the hills ,Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.  The maker of heaven and earth. Struggle real,  I’m not giving in, my story will not end in defeat. Nothing can stop an unstoppable God. He’s not afraid of impossible odds. This is the promise that I’m standing on.  I will not listen to the lie that says it can’t be done, I know my war is already won.  I’m claiming victory
Cause I know who’s fighting for me.

As the playlist continued on… I sang this and noted these words:

Give me your heart give me your song
Sing it with all your might
Come to the fountain and
You can be satisfied
There is a peace, there is a love
You can get lost inside
Come to the fountain and
Let me hear you testify

I thought about the words of the Apostle Paul, I have learned to be content in all circumstances.  How this same apostle was in chains in prison and sang out with Silas in praise to God and the chains were loosed, they were set free and many saw and were saved.  Don’t forget our story and our struggles are only a glimpse of what we see, there is a GIGANTIC GOD Who is working on our behalf and beyond.  He is our victory.  I think of Miriam marching forth before the battle was won, singing out in praise songs to the Lord.

I thought about at this moment how satisfied I am when focusing in praise to God.  When I knew there would be battles ahead in this day! In myself, around me, against me. “but we have the victory through Christ Jesus our Lord”

Then these words…

   I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide.

But I know we’re all searching, for answers only you provide. 

‘Cause you know just what we need, before we say a word,

You’re a good good father, It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are,

And I’m loved by you, It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am.

You are perfect in all of your ways.

Good Good Father – perfect in all His ways. I am loved in this hardship. And so are you Sister and Brother.

And then…

This isn’t what I’d choose
But it’s where I’m finding You
When I’m broken and undone
Your mercy’s just begun
You overcome my doubt
Your hands are reaching out
You hold me through the storm
And I will fear no more

Because the Lord is preparing His church.  He sanctifies, and beautifies as a diamond in the rough, is made beautiful through fire and testings.  We must humbly receive what God is fully in control of to work out for His glorious good. As He comforts us and empathizes and strengthens us in our weakness.  His strong hand reaching out.  “Do not fear” Is. 41:10

Oh, like a bride waiting for her groom
We’ll be a Church ready for You
Every heart longing for our King
We sing “even so come”
Lord Jesus, come !

Because we are being prepared for HOME SWEET HOME along with all the saints…

The SONG… that I have been singing throughout my days as I have felt pressure from every side in the varying ways life comes at “you”…

JESUS IS THE PRIZE WORTH FIGHTING FOR… IN OUR OWN WALK, AND THE WAY IN WHICH HE WORKS IN US, TO BE A TESTIMONY, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND HELP TO THOSE AROUND.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”

2 Tim. 2:4

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.”

Romans 8:37