There are many days that I feel that I am at war with life and at times it seems cyclical and then it overflows into the lives of others. There are some that judge me for being honest because I share that I struggle with trusting God as often as I do. I have feelings of being inadequate, I suffer with anxiety, depression, and so much more. I do not share this with the world to get attention, but in hopes of encouraging others to realize that they are not alone in what they go through. If my transparency gives even one person the courage to stop hiding their own pain, then every difficult confession will have been worth it. I know there are scriptures that apply to my situation. Believe me when I say that I have said them like a mantra to get through desperate times, when I just don’t know how to handle the thing that’s coming next. I feel the enemy attacks that seem relentless, so I rely on what is written in verses like *Philippians 4:13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]* Faith is not the absence of struggle; for me, it is choosing to cling to Christ even when my emotions are screaming the opposite. I am saddened when I share my heart and hear, “here he goes again,” “he needs more prayer,” “why can’t he just get it together?” “You really should apply the scriptures to your life.” “Do what is written in *Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.*  For those that say these types of things, do you really think I don’t try? The truth is, many of us who struggle are already fighting battles that no one else can see, and we are doing everything we know to do just to make it through another day. When a person is overwhelmed and feels like they are drowning in a sea of emptiness, the last thing they need to be told is to “buck up, you can do this.” For those that talk about me and not with me, show me that you care or be quiet and leave me alone. For those that know that you should do something, do something—anything—to show not only me but the broken and downtrodden of your world that they are not alone and abandoned. I implore you, offer to walk with them through their journey, and then you will see the world in a completely different way. Sometimes the greatest ministry is not having the perfect words but simply refusing to leave someone to suffer alone. Because of what I endure, I started a group for men and women entitled “Iron Sharpens Iron,” and our motto is, “We Are Stronger Together.” It is a spiritual support group to help others to endure, be mentored, be encouraged, and be supported. I do want to thank all those who have walked with me in my journey over the years, prayed for my family, and continue to support us in the various ways that you do. For those that just don’t understand the nuances that my family endures, I will be praying for you to seek understanding and find it so that you may experience empathy and not just give sympathy. I never want to be the kind of Christian that portrays himself as perfect. I struggle, I have flaws, I’m a sinner, that is why I need Jesus as desperately as I do. In this life, I may never see why I have suffered like I have, but what I can say is that I have seen how God has been involved in my life every step of the way, and that is enough to help me to endure to the end, for He is Sovereign. If you see yourself somewhere in these words, know that there is a place for you at the Lord’s table, because healing often begins when we stop carrying our burdens alone. I encourage each of us to be intentional about reaching out, listening without judgment, praying faithfully, and walking alongside those who are hurting instead of simply offering advice from a distance. Together, as the body of Christ, we can become the hands and feet of Jesus by creating a community where honesty is welcomed, burdens are shared, and hope is continually renewed. In closing: The words of Julius Caesar affect me by what I witness in the world around me: “It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.” 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

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 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.