Just Like That...

Greetings, Everyone!

Susie Larson here!

To those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way. 

Each month I give away a $10.00 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. So leave a post, share a story or insight, bless lots of people, and just maybe, you'll win a little treat! 

It's time to announce April's winner. Drum roll please...

Helen Martin, you are the proud winner of a $10.00 gift card from Target! You have to claim your gift card (before I award next month's winner) by emailing me at: info@susielarson.com

And remember, no using your gift card on nasal spray or toilet bowl cleaner. You have to buy something fun just for YOU! Congrats!

Now on to my topic...

If you read this blog with any regularity, you know that I've been walking through some kind of spiritual battle. Oppression, weariness, and wretched, age-old Lyme symptoms pressed me on all sides. And yet, every time I brought this battle before the Lord, He simply told me to stay focused, keep walking, keep my eyes fixed straight ahead, and put one foot in front of the other. So that's what I did. 

 A pastor/counselor friend of mine once told me about a prayer he often prays during his counseling sessions. After listening to a person's story of struggles and trials, he whispers a prayer, "Lord, show me what's going on in this person's life. Is it a sin or a test?" I love that.

Since I keep a close watch on my life, my heart, my attitudes, and my choices, I knew this particular battle wasn't about sin. I knew the enemy was pressing hard and I knew that in due time, I'd get on the other side of this trial. 

Last weekend I had a speaking event in Maine. On Friday morning I enjoyed a great time of prayer in my hotel room. Just-like-that, all at once, the oppression lifted and joy came flooding back in. I don't understand it, I can't explain it, I just know that I loved it! In a moment, I was my-happy-self again. 

Here's a verse that really spoke to me:

Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God (Isaiah 50:10).

Sometimes our angst stems from disobedience or procrastination. The fact is, we are going to be miserable until we do the very thing we know God wants us to do. Are you side-stepping something God wants you to do? Are you procrastinating on a difficult task? I have something to say to you: Do your thing! :) It's more difficult and takes more energy to avoid the task than it does to stop in your tracks and do what you know you should do. The great thing about this scenario is this: there is forgiveness for all of God's children. His mercy rains over us when we bring our putzy ways before Him. We wraps His arms around us, loves on us, and fills us with His grace. Just like that. 

Isn't it great to belong to God?

If your heaviness is from oppression or spiritual resistance, hang on and hang in there. God is developing perseverance, patience, and gritty character in you. Keep your eyes on Him; keep your feet moving on the path He has for you, and don't make any big decisions during this time. No quitting your church, your job, your marriage, or your friendships. Stay the course, resist the devil, submit to God, and in due time, you're breakthrough will come (along with great blessing and clarity about what God has next for you).

I love this quote from my study Bible:

"Patience is not a passive resignation to adverse circumstances, but a positive steadfastness that bravely endures." (p.1751).

Are you in need of a breakthrough? 

Stay close to the heartbeat of God and your breakthrough will come. Just like that.

Have a blessed week!

Oh, and if you haven't signed up for my quarterly E-zine yet, you might want to! A number of my author friends give away their great books. I write a devotional thought, offer some great book recommendations, and leave you with a prayer to send you on your way. Here's the link in case you're interested:

Subscribe to Susie's E-zine... 

Comments

[Helen]

I'm so happy for you! What nice timing, too! Thank You, kind Father.

BTW, isn't 777 a lovely number? But I still like 800 better. :-)

xo H.

[Raine]

Thank You so much for sharing your struggle. I am so glad to hear that you have had a breakthrough! It gives us that still feel like we are locked in a dark closet hope! Again thank you!

[anna J]

You remind me of Midday Connection's program from yesterday [the Beatitudes] . . . there are some wonderful points Becky Harling makes about spiritual battles, and you can listen to the past programs from the website http://www.middayconnection.org

[Tammy G.]

Susi: Thanks for coming to Maine...we loved your ministry!!! I learned a real valuable thing that I don't need others to like me but I have the freedom to love them...long story short, I was prompted in Church on Sunday to stand during worship and give a testimony of how God had set me free. I was so worried about what others would think of me, I disobeyed...song service ended, the offering was taken and pastor began his sermon. I argued with God and asked his forgiveness, when all the sudden the Lord said, "Did you not learn anything this weekend?" and then the pastor said, "We are the body of Christ, we need to tell the world He set us free, our chains are gone!" Long pause and I raise my hand asking may I speak...and stood and gave a testimony how I had been set free and that my disobedience was because I was afraid of what all of you would think of me but what I learned this weekend was that I don't NEED you to like me, but I have the freedom to love you! Wow...I said it 3 times slowly to the entire congregation. What Freedom!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us...I truly can now sing, My chains are gone I've been set free. Woo Hoo!!! Hope you come back to Maine someday...Tammy G. (worship team)

[Rachel]

Susie,Thank you for this post. I am struggling with some pretty serious back/neck pain...and have been since last fall. It's not always easy to keep perspective when you're in pain. I'm thankful for the reminder that one day my breakthrough will come...one way or another. You reminded me that His timing is perfect, even when I don't understand it.

I'm so thankful that the Lord never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is our Living Hope...and He has proven Himself faithful once again to you. Praise the Lord!

[Susie Larson]

Helen,

I SO wanted 800 attendees at this year's IJM Benefit, but we got close. It was a powerful night!

Thanks for all of your hard work.

Blessings~

[Susie Larson]

Raine,

We serve a God of 'Suddenlies'!!!

If you're in such a place, may you keep walking, keep believing, and keep trusting. You will see a breakthrough in due time.

Blessings to you!

[Susie Larson]

Tammy,

I LOVED this testimony! What a brave and courageous woman you are! Oh, I hope many read your testimony and follow suit.

May God bless you greatly for your obedience. I know He will.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful gift of worship. Loved it.

[Susie Larson]

Dear Rachel,

I'm so sorry that you are struggling with back and neck pain! I've been there; it's terrible. May God Himself heal you completely! Blessings to you~

[Doreen]

Hi Susie, I'm glad to hear of your breakthrough! Great testimony, wonderful! PTL~!

[Susie Larson]

Doreen,

Thank you so much! God bless you!