Let’s face it, there are days where you feel like life is about to swallow you up.  No matter how positive you try to make your attitude, every attempt seems to be met with failure.  You might even feel like things are better for a moment and then reality strikes. 

David was no stranger to this feeling.  He could have justified how he didn’t deserve the Saul’s unrelenting plots to kill him. Afterall, he was the rightful king chosen and anointed by God to rule over God’s people. Instead, he cried out to God. He placed his trust in His Father in heaven to come to his rescue. 

What are you facing today?  Chronic pain? Enemies that are giants? Emotional distress?  Cry out to God. Our Father in heaven will hear your cry and will answer you just as He answered David. He is faithful to walk with you in fire and in rain.  You will not be overtaken nor overcome!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedlf

Examining some compononents of dealing with pain can be a helpful in preparing us to be ready. At some point we will all experience pain. 

Trials are always revealing our character.  We can hold it together for quite some time in our own strength but when there is prolonged pain our true self makes it way to the surface.  Rather than “manning up”, I’m going to keep my strength grounded completely in Christ this time.  

Temptation to numb the pain is incredibly appealing during times of prolonged pain.  There is really only on thing that will truly comfort and that is God in all three persons.  Every other substitute is like a drug that promises comfort but comes with a long list of side effects. 

We must not waver or justify “comforters” other than Christ.  There are many great tools that can and should be used, but make sure your affections are rightly placed on thanking the One who is responsible for the provision of those tools. 

Prayer is powerful weapon in times of trial and We are not alone in wielding it.  Look in Romans 8:26

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;” 

The Spirit intercedes on our behalf.  Remember, we are never alone in the trial!   We also find that not only the Spirit but also The Son intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34)

who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

He intercedes in regard to our salvation and continues to do so; making us inseparable from His overflowing love.  

And what familiar passage is sandwiched between these two wonderful truths?  None other than Romans 8:28

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

So is the pain present? YES, strong as ever, but not as strong as my God who is at work in me.  Some good will come of this pain.  I will be lifted by the intercessions of the Spirit and the Son.  He will be my comforter, my shield and my refuge!

#truthtalk4life #knowlicespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl

I’m not against work or giving it everything I have. In fact I have believed for a long time that I could accomplish anything I put my mind and hands to.  This was my coping mechanism for  the rest of my life’s problems and my solution to all of them.  I was in fact a workaholic.  My answer to everything was to work harder.  I would watch Rocky intentionally so I could press on with what I was facing.  After that shot in the arm, I could go back in the trenches and hit it again.  But it always wore off. 

This method seemed to work most days, but not all.  When I was made aware that I had sinned against God, it’s no surprise that my first reaction was to try harder, but Even Rocky couldn’t solve this one. When it happened again, I turned my focus up another notch, and another and yet had the same result.  I had to figure out how to up my game in this battle.  

Eventually, after wearing myself, my mind, and my ego to the point of surrender, I was able to comprehend God’s provision for me through Jesus.  It was His finished work at the cross that rescued me.  My work was not enough. It was not possible in my own strength to fix my sin problem.  When I came to terms with that truth, not only was there an answer to my sin problem, there was a new relationship in my life that brought freedom.  

It’s amazing to me how much time I wasted because I had no understanding the first 3 words of this verse.  

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible” ~ Luke 1:37. 

 I had the second half down but it’s no longer truth when you drop the first part.   Don’t waste your time as I did.  Let go of the “I am the solution” mindset for a moment and see what God has done for you.  Invite Him to be your Lord today and you too will have the victory and freedom you desire.  Those three words change everything!

#truthtalk4life #knowlivespeaktruthinlove

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@brianfriedl

As frustrating as it was, I pressed on.  My daughter gave me a ride to the parts store after I confirmed my plan with a mechanic friend.  When the fix was in place, I tested it carefully, not going far until I was confident there was no coolant leak. I thanked the Lord that it happened only a few miles from home, my daughter was able to run me, and that I had the resources and skills to fix the issue. 

You see, the Lord was carefully testing me in all of this. Would I remain patient and grateful?  What a loving Father we have in heaven.! He uses all things to prepare us for the works we are to walk in.  He refines by fire that we may be pure and ready.  Praise him for the trials today and consider it joy as He grows your endurance!