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:

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. 

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:

Are you in need of a breakthrough? 

Have a blessed week!