Joy of the Lord

As of lately, God has been testing me- A lot.

I forget how seriously my heavenly Father takes me when I talk to Him.

I was asking Him for a while to align my heart with His; for me to hate what He hates.
Love what He loves, etc.

When God gives you trials, you're supposed to rejoice in them, because it refines us, and gives us the ability to be molded.

I love the analogy of refiners fire; God heats us up in His fire of affliction (trials) and our imperfections rise to the top (sin). Once we're in the hottest point, (deepest despair or pain/frustration), God gives us the choice to change or to stay the same. Trusting God is the hardest at these points. Any one can praise God in prosperity, but what makes God look amazingly glorious, is praising Him in the midst of deepest pain. When we ask for God to change us, He does; God cleanses us from our sin ("the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man, avails much") and fills up our broken and empty spaces where the sin was trying to fill in with Him. After this process is over, we can really begin to appreciate how beautiful God is.

I know this process seems undesirable, but its really amazing how much it helps your walk.

It is imperative as followers of Jesus Christ to be constantly reminded of Jesus Christ as our savior, redeemer, provider, and one true friend.

From the process mentioned before I've found that I'm able to truly have Joy provided by the my heavenly Father and this is my strength; this is the light that the world see's, shining about the darkness.

So this is whats been going on in my life; I know its not as long as my other ones- But I've been filled with joy, and I had to write about it :)

I love you all, very very much :)

I hope this encouraged one person.

"I have become all things to all men , that I might by all means save some."
1 Corinthians 9:22b