When obedience requires suffering.

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:4

Sometimes we just don’t have room to cry—too beat down and can’t spare the energy. Other times we haven’t the room in our heart to produce any more tears. Have you been there? Then this post is for you.

I was woken in the night this past night by a disturbing dream. If you’ve followed along for any length of time you know I have very powerful, detailed, revelatory dreams. I often see things in my dreams I really wish I didn’t have to know. But I have grown fond of this gift of the Spirit over the years and I look forward to my midnight rendezvous with the Holy Spirit.

Waking from a dream this eve I wasn’t sure of what I saw and it’s meaning. I lie there pondering and praying. Seeking the Lord. I had an uneasiness about this dream so I got up and walked to the kitchen for a drink of water. I felt weak in spirit. Then God gave me something to water my soul as I headed to the kitchen...

As I passed near my sons room I could hear him speaking in his sleep. He was praying in his heavenly prayer language, followed by “In Jesus Name, Amen”. My son is 8 years old and he’s had the prayer language since he was 6 (there’s a cool story there). I spoke to him softly to see if he was ok, no response. He was talking in his sleep. He was praying in his sleep. His spirit was interceding. And in that moment I was encouraged and reminded, this will all be over soon and God will not forget. God has got me. As I walked farther down the hall I could one of my older boys laughing softly in his sleep. All would be alright. Comfort received.

A.W. Tozer said that the man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can’t make a wrong choice. When I recently read this it resonated with me because about two years ago the Holy Spirit essentially told me the exact same thing. I will never forget that moment.

Let’s press in...
What does this mean?

When we live at this level of abiding in Christ it means we have forsaken anything that could be labeled idolatry in our lives. It means we focus on the faithfulness and devotion to our God when deep trials come. It means we stay the course, we dig our heels in with steel-toed devotion. We get serious about obeying God.

I have been called upon in just this past week with prayer requests of intense need. Chronic issues, pain, lack and accidents of most horrific nature. All suffering was from Christian people. God’s people are under attack. So let me encourage you...

You must maintain your resolve. You must go through the fire to get to the flood. The Goodness, Peace, Serenity and Promise is just on the other side. The Enemy fights you because He knows the love of the Father resides in you and it’s a love that damages in the best of ways. Let me remind you, just as my son praying (I felt like he was praying for me!), your obedience through suffering may bring you an eternal crown, but look at what it can do for your children. (Family is not always flesh and blood. I recognize not everyone has children.)
How we lead, live and love in this life will be directly measured into our children’s lives.
So every area we lack we must rejoice and intentionally obey God’s lead because God is birthing a beautiful promise and inheritance for our kids, if we remain faithful.

Do not lose belief. Finish well. Finish strong. In the fight for faith the beginning is a celebration of salvation, but that’s not all there is. This great race is meant to tie and harness all of humanity with us. Let us all remain in peace and try to enjoy the ride. We can do this together.

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him...”
2 Chronicles 6:19

Just as my sons power filled prayer in the midnight hour strengthened me, your God will send circumstances and His Spirit to strengthen you. He May even send people, too.  He will get you through. Hold on!

Love Hard. Love on Purpose.
As the Lord is allowing you to become broken, He is also equipping you to be brave.

~Nicole

Prayer:

Lord, fill the cup of your children today. Refresh them. Cause reflection that reminds them of you and how your tenderness and mercy never fails. Flood hearts today! Every eye that scans this page will receive a deeper revelation of your love. Give us all strength to overcome. Amen.