Getting stuck in a rut — it happens more than we plan. Your faith and trust in the Lord get shaken — it’s the nature of living in a fallen world. We are weak. We have battles to face. You might be losing a loved one, you might be dealing with hard times at work, you might feel useless or unloved, or you might just be dealing with pains of the everyday. Your heart might be withering away with the burdens of the day, and you feel more alone than ever.

But see, you’re not alone. At least, you don’t have to be alone. If you decide that you’re alone and want to deal with your problems your own way, misery loves your company, and it welcomes your camaraderie. However, misery is a choice, not a necessity. If you’re blind to happiness by choice, then you’ll never see its presence; and the truth is, joy in the midst of circumstances is closer than you realize. It is immediate and fully encompasses everything wonderful. Your weakness is even greater proof of a glorious Saviour that is waiting to lift you up.

Do you ever rejoice in your inability to deal with a situation? 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Think about the times in life when you are riding high and have limited problems—there is no reason to worry and concern yourself with seeking God’s presence; but at the bottom, there is much more room for Christ to have his way in our lives. When we have nothing to rejoice about and no strength to hold us up, our selfish nature is no longer in the way. Christ’s power takes up a new dwelling in our hearts because there is much more room for His presence in our lives. Apart from Christ, our lives are filled with the gunk of the world, but in our weakness we are refilled with His strength that renews us. Christ is MORE THAN ENOUGH to renew our hearts, but we have to be willing to let Him in. When we are weak, we have reason to rejoice—we have more room for Christ to fill our lives.

When you are emptied of your own strength, let Christ fill you with His power. Rejoice in the new spaces of your heart that He can take over. The apostle Paul knew that more weaknesses led to more of Christ’s presence in his life, so instead of feeling down, he praised. He gave thanks for the power that renewed.

So, feeling weak? Feeling burdened? Rejoice. There is so much room in your life right now for Christ to come in and lift you up. He’s there and He’s ready to come in. Isaiah 41:10 assures us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” So, live no more in the pain that you feel and trust in the strength and help that the Lord freely gives. Cling to His presence. Rejoice in His grace. Live in His hope. Thrive in His strength.

XOXO,
Rae

Awaiting a letter written in Oriya***

***I want to take a moment and let you in on a priceless piece of my everyday. I have had the unique opportunity to take up a sponsorship of a little girl on the other side of the world. This little girl is Pinki, and she is my daughter in Christ. Everyday I wonder, “When will her next letter arrive? Will I get to hear about her school and hobbies? What amazing things is she doing now?” It is incredible.

I did receive a letter a few weeks ago, but it was not from Pinki. Instead, her pastor sent me a letter saying how things in her community are working out. Little did I know, her village is just beginning to open up sponsorship; and my little girl is one of the first to be able to attend school, receive daily meals, be protected from malaria and other deadly diseases, and learn about God in an environment that is safe and healthy for her young, beautiful soul. I was overjoyed.

I have already corresponded with my little girl, and we even celebrated her birthday in two places at once last month. She does not know English yet, but she is already learning and flourishing in school. She hopes to become a nurse someday, and because of the ways the Lord works, she will be able to do that in her years to come. She has shared her dreams and aspirations with me and calls me as a mother.

I share all this because it is a matter that brings so much joy. However, it is only possible because Compassion International and organizations like it work day in and day out to provide, pray, and care for these children. It is a place that has blessed millions of children, families, and sponsors worldwide; and it is a gift that keeps on giving. For only a dollar a day, people are able to directly fund and support their children with all of the things I have mentioned before and more! If ever you wondered what a relationship of such scale could mean for you, maybe it is time to lay aside that dollar and take up a sponsorship. It is said in Psalms 139 that God perceives our thoughts from afar, and with that in mind, I believe that Pinki and I are close together in the palm of his hands. The other side of the world is not that far in comparison to eternity, and I hope that this touches your heart, as it is just beginning to take root in mine.

XOXO,
Rae