Thank you to all those that have prayed for my family and I over the years and continue praying for us now without knowing the intimate details of our trials and tribulations day in and day out. As for what I am dealing with today, it is nothing new to me, all throughout my life I have “Struggled” in one way or another. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and more so lately spiritually. As I look backward I notice that I struggle in an almost cyclical interval. Many times I have had people rebuke me and tell me to pray more, read my Bible more, trust in Jesus more, and I ask them in return, “Do you really think I don’t do those things?” To cope with life’s struggles, I have tried to prioritize self-care through sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and address my emotional needs by practicing gratitude for all that God has done for me and still feel lacking. The interesting thing is I regularly talk to others to encourage them to endure when I feel like I am ready to quit. I try to find healthy ways to express my feelings and emotions to the world around me but come up short. I hold back my words and make sure to not complain to people for fear of judgement, but so everybody knows, I do bring the rawness of my struggles honestly before God. I have actively pursued managing my stress and finding clarity by setting achievable goals, planning ahead, and focusing on positive aspects of life, remembering that experiencing struggle is a normal part of growth and a chance for change to happen by the grace of God. Life is still overwhelming for me at times with me not allowing others into my mess to carry a message of hope. With all that said, I think of the story of when Peter sank in the water as written in Matthew 14:29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Recently there have been days when I feel like I am sinking, the waves are crashing in and it takes all that I have to say, “Lord, save me!” It is not that I have taken my eyes off of Jesus for long periods of time, only moments here and there, but I believe that there are storms going on in the spiritual realm that are causing me to struggle to have the Joy of the Lord each day. I was asked a question that really struck me, “How is your faith?” The answer that I gave is, “Day by day, and at times, moment by moment”. I realize that I am NOT the only person dealing with struggles in the ways of life. I may be one of the few that admit it to the world though. As I reflect on my struggles, I am moved by the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Our prayers have stains in them, our faith is mixed with unbelief, our repentance is not as tender as it should be, our communion is distant and interrupted. We cannot pray without sinning and there is filth even in our tears.” I need to remember that hard things in my life do not determine my identity. Especially when I am in a negative mindset, I must look for the cracks, imperfections, and flaws in my life because that is where the light of the Lord comes through and shines bright when I am in a dark place. I have come to understand that the “cracks” represent my vulnerabilities and imperfections, but those cracks are also the places where the “light” that symbolizes hope, and connection with God in a formidable way shines not only inward but is also reflects outward.
I am eternally grateful and blessed to know that my family and I have been taken before the throne of grace and I humbly ask you continue to pray for us, that God would give us the strength and grace to endure what we are facing and sustain us when we feel like we can no longer carry the weight. Please pray that when I am sinking beneath the waves, I will have the faith to cry out, “Lord, save me!” sooner than later. Pray that I will trust that His hand will reach me, rely on Him for my peace, and cling to Him for dear life, especially in the moments when my faith feels weak. Above all, please pray that the Lord will help me endure—not simply to survive these difficult days, but to remain anchored in Him and eventually thrive. May I continue walking forward one day at a time, and in the most challenging circumstances one moment at a time.
My friends, I ask humbly that you not only pray for me but for ALL those that you know that are struggling in the ways of life as well. It may be because of your prayers that others feel not only peace with God but also a peace of God, and maybe, just maybe, experience the presence of God in an awe inspiring way as well.
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.
