The Hard Things

The battle of the mind involved in surrendering every thought to God
Revealing of the deep suffering of others
Being misunderstood by others
Being falsley accused
Utter exhaustion in daily trials
Grief over loss, sin, family etc
Suffering injustice
A sense that God has hidden His face or forsaken us
Loneliness
Suffering a Betrayal
Slander
the list goes on..and...they are imposssibe to bear, actually, without Christ. These are things that sometimes hurt in a way that noone else knows about or sees. But when we ask for a deeper fellowship with Christ...we must enter into that fellowship with Him- alone. With Him alone we will sorrow in these that we might better see Him. The trials will be ones that we will not always be at liberty to share with others or even have the words describe. They will seem, at times, to come from every direction- sometimes small as raindrops but rained down in such volume to create such a flood that if it weren't for our blindly (at times) grasping for God we would be swept away. Part of the difficulty in bearing up is that noone can see or understand these sufferings...they are for us alone...to give to Christ alone...for our own good. Should others be included- self pity and pride might be given occasion to hinder any growth that might have been attained. When we plead for a deeper love, deeper fellowship, deeper understanding we must be prepared to cling to Him as we can in no wise bear the understanding of His sufferings much less the burden and pain of them. I tremble at the thought of what I have asked of my Lord...of what I have surrendered to. It is too big for me to even understand what I have agreed to...I am rendered *dumb* in an explanation of it. I have failed many a time in the little He has shown me- I am so small and weak. What I do know is that He will lead and I will follow and know that He has equipped me to stand in the face of all trials...I will drink continuously from the Living water which He provides. I will remember to encourage and pray for my fellow Saints along the way- whose sufferings I don't know. Ps 31:3 For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Let's not underestimate or overlook the unseen sufferings of our fellow Saints regardless of our own opinions of them. We may not see evidence of the battle, but if they love the Lord...KNOW they are either preparing for battle or in the midst of battle. A kind word or even a small touch on the arm goes a *long* way, a warm embrace- is there anything better than a listening ear?! I am sure we all desire these things at one time or another. Ps 30:5b "...weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning" Dear suffering Saint, the Lord hears your prayers and prompts Christians to pray...I don't even know who I am writing this to (besides myself ;) )..but the Lord does-I hope you are encouraged in Him.

Phl 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

Ps 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Psalm 121:1-8
Eph 6:10-19
1Th 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.