The world today has gotten to the point where many say the words “God’s Will not mine be Done” but either they don’t comprehend the intensity of them or forgo having confidence that Father really does know best. As I look around, especially in the church, there are many who are complacent about the situation they are in, not concerned about the consequences that will follow or thinking that God has something better if they only completely surrender to His will in thought, purpose, and action. I have heard people make statements about certain challenges and choices in their lives, and when I ask if they have fervently prayed about it, their response is generally “No” and the reason behind their response is simple, because even if God told them to do something specific they wouldn’t do it anyway. For me, I speak the words “God’s Will not mine be Done” mostly in my times of trial and hardship, which lately seems like every day. I am humbled as I look at the words of the Lord Jesus prior to Him going to the cross written in  Luke 22:42… “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.” and think what do I really have to complain about, but then, I still complain. There are battles that I faced as a child that I still face today, battles of worthiness, brokenness, loneliness, fear, anxiety, addictive traits, and I have asked God to take all these from me time and time again, and yet the thoughts, feelings, and the emotions tied to them remain deep within me and at times cripple me. I have prayed fervently for God to take me out of my misery but then I pray more fervently over the words written in *2 Corinthians 12:8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.* There is a song by MercyMe entitled Even If, that has brought peace into my life, to the very depths of my soul, in some of my most broken moments. A few of the lyrics are, “They say it only takes a little faith To move a mountain/Well good thing A little faith is all I have, right now/But God, when You choose To leave mountains unmovable/Oh give me the strength to be able to sing It is well with my soul”. My beloved, no matter what you are going through, I pray that you know that God is with you and will carry you through it. The same God that is on the mountaintop, is the same God Who is in the valley. I have come to understand that I have become closer to God and seek His face more in the valley than I ever have on the mountaintop, because fruit is grown in the valley. May we all say with joy in whatever situation we are in, It Is Well With My Soul, in Jesus‘ precious and powerful name, Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog
To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support for the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.