Read Ephesians 6:12-13
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Another rainy Monday in the city that never sleeps. The Big Apple is feeling more like The Soggy Apple - The City That Never DRIES, these days. :-) To those of us who'd prefer the comfortable, sunshiny (somewhat normal) warm, June days...this weather ain't necessarily the ideal situation, ya know? Just sayin'...
Somewhat accordingly, these past few weeks have served as a backdrop for some non-ideal, "rainy" days for myself...some emotionally challenging moments & circumstances. Honestly, my funky mood has at times reflected the grey skies. I admit. It's kinda funny.....one well known actor once wisely said to me regarding his own life & career, "brotha, if you pray for the rain of God's blessing over your life, don't be surprised to the mud that forms as a result". In other words....don't trip, Warner! This (the 'mud'), is a part of it. Par for the course, ya know? Amen, sir!
Jesus promises(d) few things in His ministry. One of which was/is tribulation. He PROMISES that it WILL come:
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" ~ John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)
In life, the rain, i.e. hard times, life challenges, difficult circumstances, etc. fall on the just AND unjust...."deserving" and "undeserving". Scripture speaks of a loving Father that allows them AND skillfully, masterfully orchestrates them for His perfect purpose. (Matt 5:44-45). He works that thing (tribulation) like a surgeon....using the scalpel of adversity to cut out all the stuff that ain't like Him and harmful to/for us. For the believer, the primary purpose is for sanctification...to continually humble and perpetually conform us more and more into the image of our Savior, Christ. (Romans 8:28,29) For the unbeliever, it's to humble them, too...pointing them to the only One who saves - The GodMan Y'shua HaMoshiach - Jesus Christ.
Knowing that the Father, Protector and Lover of our souls has permitted trials to happen in our lives is kinda dope because it also means that He's established His perfect plan and will WITHIN those trials...the storm, as it were. (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2,3 & 1 Peter 1:6,7) Because we know that He's good....we can be assured that whatever happens in our life (desirable or undesirable; favorable or unfavorable) will be for our ultimate good.......and it'll be ALL GOOD! ;-) The trying circumstances are just "par for the course" in the life of a child of the Most High God. And that ain't just some abstract, wishful thinkin' or some ole positive affirmation/self talk, either, by the way! No, no, no, fam...we have the living example of His Son - the Word made flesh, Jesus our Messiah to co-sign and affirm the truth of His goodness and perfect will. Bottom line...the choice, as always, is yours: you can either sulk and wallow in the rain, resenting it...or stand and dance in the rain, loving & appreciating its refining power & purpose! Bet! ;-)
Often the words of a poem and/or the melody and lyrics of a song can best communicate what's on a person's heart....whether they've personally written it or not. Sometimes, that's all that's really needed to address a hurt and effectively counsel you through a trying time or difficult circumstance. On several occasions, that was the case for people like King David and King Solomon. (re: Book of Psalms) It was/is for me. Bless up....and enjoy the rain. ;-)
"Stand" by Donnie McClurkin
What do you do when you've done all you can
And it seems like it's never enough?
And what do you say when your friends turn away
And you're all alone...alone?
Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all
And it seems you can't make it through?
Well you just stand when there's nothing left to do.
You just stand; watch the Lord see you through.
Yes, after you've done all you can...you just stand.
And it seems like it's never enough?
And what do you say when your friends turn away
And you're all alone...alone?
Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all
And it seems you can't make it through?
Well you just stand when there's nothing left to do.
You just stand; watch the Lord see you through.
Yes, after you've done all you can...you just stand.
Tell me, how do you handle the guilt of your past?
Tell me, how do you deal with the shame?
And how can you smile while your heart has been broken
And filled with pain, filled with pain?
Tell me what do you give when you've given your all;
Seems like can't make it through?
Child, you just stand when there's nothing left to do
You just stand, watch the Lord see you through.
Yes, after you've done all you can, you just stand.
Tell me, how do you deal with the shame?
And how can you smile while your heart has been broken
And filled with pain, filled with pain?
Tell me what do you give when you've given your all;
Seems like can't make it through?
Child, you just stand when there's nothing left to do
You just stand, watch the Lord see you through.
Yes, after you've done all you can, you just stand.
Stand and be sure
Be not entangled in that bondage again.
You just stand and endure.
God has a purpose. Yes God has a plan.
Be not entangled in that bondage again.
You just stand and endure.
God has a purpose. Yes God has a plan.
Tell me what do you do when you've done all you can.
And it seem like you can't make it through?
Child, you just stand. You just stand.
Stand
Don't dare give up, (STAND).
Through the storm, (STAND).
Through the rain, (STAND).
Through the hurt, (STAND).
Yeah, through the pain, (STAND).
Don't you bow, (STAND).
And don't bend, (STAND).
Don't give up, (STAND).
No, don't give in, (STAND).
Hold on, (STAND).
Just be strong, (STAND).
God will step in, (STAND).
And it won't be long, (STAND).
And it seem like you can't make it through?
Child, you just stand. You just stand.
Stand
Don't dare give up, (STAND).
Through the storm, (STAND).
Through the rain, (STAND).
Through the hurt, (STAND).
Yeah, through the pain, (STAND).
Don't you bow, (STAND).
And don't bend, (STAND).
Don't give up, (STAND).
No, don't give in, (STAND).
Hold on, (STAND).
Just be strong, (STAND).
God will step in, (STAND).
And it won't be long, (STAND).
After you done all you can; after you done all you can...
After you gone through the hurt; after you gone through the pain...
After gone through the storm; after you gone through the rain...
Prayed and cried; prayed and cried
Prayed and cried....
Prayed and cried, oh my
After you gone through the hurt; after you gone through the pain...
After gone through the storm; after you gone through the rain...
Prayed and cried; prayed and cried
Prayed and cried....
Prayed and cried, oh my
After you done all you can you just STAND.
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"For if we are beside ourselves [mad, as some say], it is for God and concerns Him; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:13 (Amplified Bible)
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