Rejoice, a trial is coming, you are in one now, or you just got through one! How does that make you feel? There are certain verses in scripture that I don’t like but have come to love because I know that they are good for me. I often pray over what is written in *James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.* There are people that I meet, some in passing, ones that I know a little, and even ones that I dearly love that are going through something that they are not “joyous” about, but in all truth I feel that I am one of the biggest offenders of this mindset. Some are suffering from sickness or maybe they are dealing with the sickness of a family member. There may be financial problems, work related issues, relationships that are struggling, and the list goes on. Sometimes life just gets overwhelming, I know it does for me at times. I talk to many individuals that are having mental, emotional, and even spiritual crises and challenges where all they want is the pain and torment to stop. I have heard it said that “God will not give you more than you can handle” and I do not believe that those words are scripturally based in any way, shape, or form. I have read the “go-to” scriptures that many like to quote like what is written in, *1 Corinthians 10:13…but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…* and *Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.* These are all well and good, but, I know for myself at times, it seems as though God has given me more than I can handle. But I have come to learn that I have never been given more than “He” can handle. I have a friend who knows what I go through on a regular basis, the attacks I experience, the struggles I endure, who sent me a message saying, “I pray you survive the day”. I realize that they meant well, but in that moment my response was quick, simple, and to the point, “I pray I don’t”. I often contemplate the words of Paul written in *Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.* My brethren, may we encourage each other daily to endure knowing that God is in control and believing that He will strengthen us to go through whatever is put before us and may we Rejoice, in Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen. I do want to thank all of you who pray for my family and I regularly, especially as we are going through all that we are in the moment, you are truly my Beloved. 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.