It has been quite a while since I have written. You are consistently on my heart and in my prayers, but this last year has been a bit overwhelming for me with aging parents and increasing responsibility. I promise to be more in touch this coming year.
You have been especially on my heart during this holiday season. I know how difficult the holidays can be when you are standing and I want to encourage you to help make this time a blessing.
If we focus on Jesus, truly the One that this time should be about, it helps to overcome the other circumstances that crowd in.
There are many things we cannot control at times like this, but no one nor anything can rob us of the peace that Jesus brings. That is why it is called the “peace that passes understanding.” Things of this earth can come and go. Pressures can increase and decrease. Pain and loss can grow and diminish, but Jesus is constant, never changing. His love never shrinks back and His presence is always there.
You are facing many challenges, some more painful than others, right now. It is time to draw even closer to Him. His life on this earth was filled with rejection and challenges. His birth occurred in a stable because his parents were turned away from a cleaner, safer place. That didn’t stop Him. His own family mocked His call and had little faith in what He came to do. That didn’t stop Him. He was betrayed by a kiss, an act of love. That didn’t stop Him. He was tortured and crucified surrounded by unbelievers who scorned Him. That didn’t stop Him. He was buried in a tomb with guards posted to keep Him there. That didn’t stop Him.
He rose again, triumphing over all, and in that resurrection gave His overcoming power to all of us! Whatever you face this Christmas, don’t let it stop you! Jesus rules and reigns in your heart. His unstoppable vision and purpose are strong within you. You have chosen to stand for covenant, to stand for righteousness and He stands with you. Scripture tells us if He be for us, who can be against us! In the midst of the turmoil, the commercial hustle and bustle, the challenges of family relationships, and the pain that inevitably tries to overwhelm, stand strong in His peace and love.
The enemy can only bring things against you from the outside. Inwardly you live in Christ. Let that inward peace and joy overcome the outward attacks. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust your heart to His care. Let Him wrap you in His arms and carry you through this time. Love, Marilyn
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Last year (2012) I ordered your testimony video. I smile at the clothing:) It is such as blessing to see how far your marriage has grown. I am praying for the same blessing with my marriage because God is no respecter of persons. After all the destruction I saw on your testimony video, and then to see you 43 years later, I am hopeful. Right now my husband decided to divorce me, but I continue to stand for our marriage and stand in the gap through prayer. It is the right thing to do even though family members around me think I am weird and in denial. I have a family of Christians who seemed to deny the power of pray. They say, "it doesn't take that much prayer." Right now, prayer is all I have. Thanks for your ministry and happy anniversary.