This is a word God gave me in my prayer time this week. It is a word for all who have found themselves in a situation or relationship which has been under pressure, especially in ways which do not make sense. Love is a path which costs you everything else.
Though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him. Philippians 3:4,7-9 ESV
Here is the word God gave me on 08 08 2016.
"Do not be discouraged or down trodden. The enemy loves to turn the body against itself. There has been a dramatic falling away of accountability towards one another. The tearing of the heart and soul is the plan of the enemy to shatter people’s hearts. Keep your heart soft and open with love towards God and each other. Do not allow the offenses of the moment stop you from inheriting the blessings of God. The cost of forgiveness is a small price for the riches of heaven. Do not feel as though you need to vindicate yourself in any way. God has your past, present and future in His hands. Do not give up. Do not loose heart. Things are ridiculously hard and the trial brings a depth of suffering which has not been experienced before. You must know that the glory which is to be revealed in and through you is going to be far more glorious than the suffering which brought you to this place.
"God is faithful to do the things he has promised. There is nothing too hard for Him. All things are possible in the realm of love. “Now I will show you the best way of all.” Love is the highest aim. Love is the best goal. What does this path of love look like? The path of love is patience and kindness. It is without jealousy, not boastful, not proud, rude or selfish. This path is one not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. The path of love does not gloat over other people’s sins but delights in the truth. This path always bears up, always trusts, always hopes, always endures. The path of love never ends. Three things will last forever — faith, hope, love; and the greatest of these is love. Pursue love!"
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5 NKJV
Remeber that we are being perfected into the image of Christ. This is why we are pressed and persecuted, to be tested in our faith so we might be made complete and lack nothing. What a joy we can have in the midst of trials if we can keep our eyes on Christ, the perfecter of our faith. This is the joy set before us: to be made perfect in His image and likeness.