What a season to live in.  What an amazing time to serve the Lord.  Have you had your faith tested?  Has your love been stretched?  How about your hope?  1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us that now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. No matter how difficult your roads, these three “graces” as they are sometimes referred to are eternal, which means they should be a part of our real life as well.  The word “abide” means to live or reside in a place.  Isn’t it fortunate that we, as believers, no matter our season or station in life can have these three amazing additions to our lives?  However, these areas are also areas where Satan tries to rob us.

One of the most comforting gifts God can give us is a relationship with people who have walked with Jesus longer than we have.  Their experience and trust in Him helps impart faith when we are struggling with faith, hope in times of hopelessness, and a reminder of love when we are feeling unlovable.  Perhaps, you currently do not have access to this type of relationship—seek it out.  I am so aware of how much we as sisters in the Lord need each other.  We tend to isolate and withdraw during our difficult times, but, according to Scripture, we should reach out and call for the elders! Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. James 5: 13-15.  Struggling with hopeless can make us sick, as Proverb 13:12 states: Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.  Solomon reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun; your struggle is not new to God or others. Do not let pride or the fear of man keep you from calling, emailing or asking for help.  

Young mothers, if you are stressed with your children.  Seek out help.  You don’t have to go it alone.  Sometimes you can find help in your own peer group.  Young mothers helping young mothers—sharing information, resources and baby sitting or play dates can relieve much stress.  Moms of Pre-schoolers or MOPS, is a wonderful place to find some extra advice and caring for this season of life.  Form a reading group to read and discuss relevant material.

Do you find your marriage in difficulty, request help.  Seek out a married woman who loves and respects her husband; see if she could meet with you. If you don’t know who to talk with, ask your pastor for suggestions.  Many people do not know others outside of their own peer group, or they are afraid the other person would be too busy or not interested in your situation.  This may be true, but it may not be as well. You will not know unless you ask!  Do this before your marriage is in crisis when the issues are small, and you may save yourself much trouble. Dear sisters, please know that I am available to be an ear for whatever you may be facing.  I may not be the wisest person you know, but we can pray together and seek the only wise God, trusting that He will share His wisdom with us.  You do have a friend in me, at least I will try!

We come across so many women that feel like they don’t have any friends.  This is not what God intends.  If you find yourself in that situation, begin to pray about it.  Ask Him for friends and do not pre- dis-qualify those He brings into your life.  On the outside you may not feel like they are a good fit, but show yourself friendly and you may discover a hidden treasure.  Ask Him to open your eyes to those around you who may need your friendship; your life will be enriched.

If you are struggling in any area, get help.  We need each of you to be strong and healthy.  Darryl preached a message at Living Word Fellowship dealing with the Iron Yoke of Oppression.  If you feel you have been battling Satanic oppression, check out our website www.impart.org There is help and hope for you.  If you need more help in this area, give us a call.

Finally, consider this scripture about hope.  

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5: 3-5  

My prayers and thoughts are toward you all.  I pray this season of walking with Him will reveal these graces in each of your lives.