Have you ever been going through a difficult season in life and nobody else in your life can even imagine what you face everyday?
In May, my Botox completely wore off and my body started twisting like a pretzel. I have to start pulling my eyes open because they’re squinting uncontrollably, so I can see to type out what I want to say. Then I start gloriously gritting my teeth, therefore eating and drinking become a chore. I can’t even put into words everything I go through physically nor emotionally or mentally. It’s tiring. It’s draining. It can get dark and depressing.
But thank the Lord for verses like 2 Corinthians 4:15-17; 12:9-10, 2 Timothy 2:3-5; 20-21, 1 Peter 4:12-14, James 1:12, Romans 5:2-5; 8:17-18. These verses and several others are a salve to my soul and fire me up.
I can cry, yell and go to the Lord with my problems. He’s a good Listener. He’s also a wonderful Comforter.
I can tell you this—He has sustained me in every situation. He has given me peace during the panic and grace when all I can do is groan. Trust me, my hurting, broken-hearted friend, you are not alone. He’s doing something amazing through your situation. The same God that helped Job, the blind man, and Paul, and the same God that sustains me every day can sustain you.
Second Corinthians 4:15-17, “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
Second Corinthians 12:9-10, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Second Timothy 2:3-5, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”
First Peter 4:12-14, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”
Romans 5:2-5, “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Did I mention my Botox appointment is only three days away. The anticipation gets greater and greater as the day draws nearer. I don’t know why but this time when I was in the tight, twisted stage my anticipation and longing for Heaven have never been greater than during this time.
Are you ready for that Glorious Day, my friend? If you’re not sure, I’d like to invite you to read this post called, “Everyone Needs Help.”
What verses are a salve to your soul when you’re discouraged?
Abiding With Joy Studio 
Well, my dear, you have fired me up with the WORD and your words of encouragement!! Thank you!!!! One of my “go to” passages is Philippians 4:4-14. It helps to take a reality check. Thanks for sharing!! ❤️Love you❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m encouraged by you every time Abigail!!… I know it took you a long time and great effort to post this message of hope in HIM and HIS sustaining power… I appreciate that!! I appreciate you taking the time to reach out to others who also may be struggling…
I believe it makes GOD smile and look upon you with absolute love and compassion to see you serve HIM despite what you deal with every moment of every day… I believe your reward in Heaven will be overwhelming and oh how it will be when you are overjoyed to receive your new body that works perfectly and your physical sound of your voice gets to praise HIM and talk freely forevermore… I understand why you think of and long for that Heavenly home during your most pressing situations and the uncooperativeness of movements causing frustrations that are so challenging and difficult to bear.
I’ve actually taken 2 Timothy 2:3-4 to heart for some time now and desiring to apply it to my life more regularly… It motivates me since Christ suffered as a servant and laid down HIS life for me that I might respond more like a soldier of Christ for HIS name sake… You’re fighting like a soldier day in and day out… Your faith is strong and comes across as real, genuine, and heartfelt… Much love and respect to you my sister in Christ… Keep fighting the good fight of the faith for it is not in vain or unnoticed by HIM, by me, and by others who know you and see you persevering…
May GOD bring you sweet dreams and restful sleep for you… May HE relax you in HIS Presence and continue to refresh you with HIS WORD to encourage you… It is so, so good to hear from you again… You’re worthwhile, you matter, you’re valuable, and you’re a treasure in HIS KINGDOM… I’m beyond blessed to know you and be inspired by you…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, thank you for the encouragement. I’m thankful it was a blessing to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re the blessing Abigail… GOD is using you for HIS glory and renown… You are HIS very own, the apple of HIS eye, and HIS love for you is undying and faithful and true…
LikeLiked by 2 people
What Joy and Strength God gives us through you precious sister Abigail. We love you and pray for you! “To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.“-2 Thessalonians 1:11-12. Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen! Bless you, Abby, and give you abundant grace! May these 3 days fly by quickly and may you find sweet relief to praise & serve your Savior even more! You’re a blessing! God Bless you! Love & prayers, myra
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this encouragement, Abigail. Such a good reminder and something He’s been affirming in my own life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful encouragement and reminder! He is affirming these truths in my life also.
LikeLiked by 1 person