Confession
Hi.
It’s me, Kristi.
It’s confession time on the front porch, from one bearing branch to another.
Never mind the chipping nail polish on the tootsies. That’s normal for this country girl. (OK, so now you’re looking very closely, aren’t you? Maybe I should have skipped right over that tidbit, eh?!)
Anyhoo, above is a picture of me on the front porch Sunday afternoon. It was a sunny day in Hawai’i, and it was certainly a “SONny” day in my heart as the Lord shed some much-needed light. It was overwhelmingly hungered for and welcomed, as the past month had been one big war in the spiritual.
There are some new things crossing my family’s path in the next few months beginning with the publishing of The Other Side of the Fence; A Lie Masquerading. It’s a choir of words, belting out praise to Jesus’ name. It’s a testimony to His power in our lives and His ability to walk us victoriously through life in the face of temptation. It contains a multitude of words that cheer for temptation’s demise, and the Lord’s hand was oh-so-evident as He guided me on the path during this writing.
Somehow, someway I ventured into this past month facing an unexpected battle. It was war, yet each day arrived without realization of the fight. In hindsight, the attack shouldn’t have been unexpected, yet it was.
The Lord of all comfort met me on the porch Sunday however, bringing realization and relief. He quite effectively opened my eyes to the battle and triumphantly showed me the path to victory. He’s so capable and good that way, isn’t He? Always faithful…..
In addition, the Lord brought a reminder through 2 Corinthians that He was near all along, a God overflowing with comfort and sympathy. Even when the Lord seemed quiet and distant, He was near. Simply knowing that His comfort was near and was capable of upholding me in all my troubles, not just a few, but ALL, was overwhelmingly, well….comforting. He’s a great God like that for all of us, remaining near and desiring to be our Comforter.
3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),
4Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction),
so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress,
with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP
Later in the afternoon the Lord reminded me of some amazing tidbits from our walk together during the writing of the book. From the beginning His hand was sure and certain. It was paramount to be reminded of that. When my call arose, “Lord, is it You? Am I hearing You?” the Lord answered within twelve hours. in such a vivid manner. He was definitely spurring me to action.
The answer was so “in your face” evident. It was astounding and it was a beginning two years ago, yet remembrance of it had slipped amid the battle. Likewise remembrance of His amazing answers to subsequent publishing prayers, yet more “in your face” evidence for this project, were somehow lost in the battle.
Visions of the Israelites in the desert suddenly began dancing in my head. No longer did I roll my eyes at the thought of God’s chosen forgetting His miraculous works at the Red Sea, with the manna, and in many other works. Instead, I began to understand how easily these very real human beings slipped into the land of forgetfulness and how easily we can join them if we fail to encourage one another on to remembrance.
We’ve discussed this topic in a previous post, but due to the “fresh” nature of it, I’m back to sing another verse in the melody of remembering. Recall the works of His hand, my friend. Return to those times where you know it was a very real God touching your life. Remembering is powerful and brings glory to the King of kings. It’s key when the battle rages.
I suppose I simply needed a reminder. And so today, I come to you as a reminder. When the battle gets heavy, when things seem to be dry, wrong, or dark, go back to that place of remembrance and watch as His Light makes the darkness flee.
Perfect verse for the place He’s strengthening me in. Your words still speak and we know His always will! Have you written a book, Kristi? I’d be interested.
Don’t lose heart in well doing sister, the harvest is great, the laborers few.
Be Encouraged, Kristi, may your soul be encouraged in the Lord.
Hi Jessica. His words truly will always speak. And yours? Girl, they poured water in a dry place. Seriously, thank you for all your words, but specifically for the last two sentences of your comment. “Don’t lose heart…the harvest is great…” Amen. As for the book, I did self-publish a book called The Other Side of the Fence: A Lie Masquerading four years ago. (FOUR years ago! Can you believe it?!) It’s currently out of print, and I’ve learned how to write soooo much better since its publishing. 🙂 Stay tuned, though. There are more books in the hopper. I’m not certain their timeframe, but they’re there. I appreciate your interest and welcome your prayers. Blessings.