“Fight the good fight of faith.
Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …”
1 Timothy 6:12 {NIV}
I admit to you today I’m broken and hurting. And I have no quick-fix or easy answer. I want to move past this pain and yet it continues to surround me.
I wonder if any of you feel the same?
Last week I had a glorious few hours with my dear friend Terrie. I’ve spoke of her before. She’s currently carrying the pain of losing her 14 year old daughter, Emily, just last August.
We walked. We cried. We shared. We encouraged. And we parted with a little more hope in our hearts.
Sometimes, in the midst of pain, that’s all it takes … a little more hope.
Hope upon hope. Promise upon promise.
Until you feel the lifting of your head.
Although I share with you here thoughts of encouragement, faith, and hope … deep down I’m a hot mess of pain! True story and keepin’ it real.
What I do know? And why I continue to encourage?
I know there’s more than this life. I know there’s a reason for it all. I know we need to continue to fight the good fight of faith.
Faith … it’s what we can’t see and what we don’t know … but what we believe to be true.
What I know and believe without a doubt, deep down in that hot bubbling mess of pain? That’s where hope grows, where hope blooms. And through my pain … I want to reach out and breathe truth, hope, and promise into your pain.
Let me leave you with some truth from God’s word … I encourage you to read them over and over, until you too, have a little more hope:
I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Jeremiah 29:11
let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith … Hebrews 10:22
Then your light will shine like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your God will walk before you, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Isaiah 58:8
“Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
“Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your pain?” — Hosea 13:14 Death’s power to hurt is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But we thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
“Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:48
And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. Philippians 1:18b-19
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …” 1 Timothy 6:12
Discussion: Are you hurting, in need of encouragement? Do any of these verses brings hope to your heart?
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV
I love this and other reminders that it’s not about our health or wealth but about our deeds and actions – He is returning for those who fought the fight and kept the faith, even through adversity. Whatever we go through, I don’t think any of us can claim a list like Paul’s. If he held strong to the end then surely so can we!
*hopefully reading this you can see that I’m not trying to dismiss your pain but rather to diminish it but just in case it doesn’t come across that way … that was the aim
P.S. the list of scriptures that you have up there is wonderfully encouraging, 1 Tim 6:12 in particular – the next life is what it’s all for …
~~ and I’ll stop the essay length comment there! :) ~~
When we take our eyes off our own pain and breathe blessing and truth into others who are feeling pain, then our own doesn’t feel as heavy. I know this from experience. You are an encouragement to me today. Thank you. Praying your hurt is eased through your offering.
Tracie, praying for you this morning as I pray about my own struggle…got my bible and a cup of coffee and am going to dig in. I have struggled off and on with depression for about 6years now. I am struggling now and feel my medication is not working and that brings on a whole set of worries. Trying to find a new med that works can take months. Months of tears, ups and downs, etc. I can’t prepare myself to do it again. Hope upon hope. I am clinging to His promises today.
Thank you for the bible verses; they bring comfort and truth to my heart and to you and so many others. God wants so much for His children – even joy. Praying for you to continue to receive His joy even in the midst of your pain.
i love that … hope upon hope, promise upon promise. he keeps heaping it on… the more we need, the more He gives. i was listening to the radio this morning on my way to work, and there were the lyrics i love :) take this world and give me Jesus! {i wish i was good at reCalling the names of the songs- heehee!} but oh i do love the reminder that this is not all there is for us… that He has so much more in store for us!! and oh i love that isaiah 58:8… when the pain is surrounding, know that He is too!!!
Buddy..it bums me out you are so far away. I hope things can happen for you quickly and easier. Your continued spirituality is very encouraging for many, glad it keeps you strong. You are really the strongest person I know! Your friends adore you! Your family loves you! God has strengthened you. You will persevere. love me
Praying for you. I continue to find comfort in this verse too. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; (Psalm 34:19 NIV)
You inspire me all the time. You remind me that we can do hard things…and endure the unimaginable. I wish for a you, a continued journey full of hope and beautiful things… and happiness. You are an amazing woman…and most important an awesome mom to your girls.
I have been reading through the book of Joshua and been struck with how many kings/nations they killed … and then later on we know that the Israelites desired a king for themselves and God allowed that… and the thought has been heavy on my heart that we can drift so far from that which God desires for us – that He alone is our all in all.
With our current “hot mess” it’s been an encouraging reminder to keep my focus on Him.
Keep pressing on. You are thought of and prayed for often. xoxox
Your words bring such comfort to my soul!!! I’m going through some stormy times and I’d like to write these words on my heart!!!! Praying for you and your friend. xoxoxoxoxo!!!
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I am not sure exactly what all you are going through, but I can sense your hurt and yet you remain so positive and forward-moving, and that is to be applauded! You are CHOOSING light. What an amazing spirit, woman, and role-model you are for your daughters, as well as others!
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You never cease to amaze me. You inspire me like you wouldn’t believe. Thank you!