Embarrassed to Ask

As I mentioned, my previous week was a rough one. But what was more challenging was for me to humble myself and ask for help. We'd rather try to handle something on our own, because it is difficult and discomforting to appear weak. Mostly, it is embarrasing to ask... 

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that ye may be healed." James 5:16

"Confess your faults":

Whether we have a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual weakness, we need help to be able to overcome them or to get through it. It's easy to think we can do it on our own, but unfortunately, it's not true. (Gal. 6:2, Ecc. 4:9-12) We get embarrassed because others see us as strong individuals or we don't want to disappoint those around or we are just simply proud.

Embarrass: " to cause confusion and shame to; make uncomfortably self-conscious; disconcert; abash"

"Pray One for Another":

Last week, I called two of my close godly friends, explain to them what was going on, and asked them to pray for me. God also appointed for me to be able to share my sitiuation with a godly mature woman in my church. She listened and said she'd pray for me. If you are going through a trial, find a godly mature (older) friend to pray for you. Don't share your trial with your peers unless they are strong in their own faith. (Prov 13:20 and 12:15)

"That Ye may be Healed":

Patience and time is important in this process. Wait upon The Lord. Things normally don't happen overnight, so just be patient in your own growth and discomfort. Realize God is working through the situation. He will care for you. (1 Peter 5:7, Romans 8:28) 

My daughters love to sing the song:

Jesus Loves me,

This I know,

For the Bible tells me so,

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak,

but He is strong.

God is our strength even when we are weak or are failing or are going through trials. Don't forget that! :D

"The Effectual Fervent Prayer of a Righteous Man Availeth Much." is the rest of that verse.

As you go through trials or are being refined like gold, remember it molds you into a righteous man. Keep praying and keep your eyes focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2, Prov. 24:5)

Though He Slay Me...

"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." Job 13:15

Rough Week:

This week has been a VERY trying one. I wrote a blog post on Monday. The minute I completely finished it, it was erased. I was heartbroken. I tried rewriting it several times, with disruptions and distractions. This week has been emotional too. My friends and family have been going through difficulties and trials: death of close loved one, broken hearts, long distant move, and sibling strife. People have judged me and the choices I make. This blog has even discouraged me. Outside a few close family members, (I wonder) does anyone even read this blog?

"He Slay Me":

Do you ever feel like giving up? 

...Or instead of peace, you get frustrations and stress?
...Or instead of help, you get hindrance and more burdens?

...Or instead of delicious banana bread, you get black burnt toast?
...Or instead of yummy red lettuce, you get mustard greens?

Do you feel unappreciated or unnoticed? 
Do you ever wonder why you even try? 
Do you want to just quit?

"Yet will I trust in Him":

We must realize that God has a reason for everything. God allows things to happen to help us grow and mold us (even through fire) to be pure gold. It's uncomfortable and might be painful, but it causes us to depend on God more. We cling more to our Saviour and His promises. (Romans 8:28) We look more toward Heaven, our eternal home.

"I will Maintain Mine Own Ways":

Perseverance: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

We must continue to do the things God has called us to do, despite setbacks, discouragement, strife, or failures. We must maintain our way before Him and obey His commandments, even when we can't see God or feel Him near us. Bible reading, praying, and attending church are things that can help us stay on track when we go through tough times or rough moments. Everything God has called us to do, we should strive to do it faithfully, consistently, and excellently.

"Before Him":

We work for the Lord. Whether your minister as a wife or mother, or writer of a blog, or a children's worker, or even as an employee, we should do it heartily unto the Lord. (Col. 3:23-24) We don't do it for personal gain or just to check it off the list. We don't do it to make others happy or satisfy them. We serve to please the audience of One, our Lord Jesus Christ.