I’m struggling today.
I can’t focus. I can’t write. I want so badly to write something. But my mind wanders every 5 seconds and I can’t get a single meaningful word out.
I hate this. I hate being bipolar. I hate having ADD. I hate that I have fibromyalgia. I hate that I can’t do things because my body just won’t allow me.
Satan is really working his magic today, it seems. He knows my weaknesses and is using them against me big time.
And I think I’m allowing him.
I must stop letting him win.
Satan has his ways of sneaking into our every day lives. Before we know it, he has taken our weaknesses, thrown them in our face and laughs at us as we struggle to break free.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9
As long as we live on this earth we are going to struggle. We are going to face trials of many kinds. It says so in the God’s Word.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy?? Is James saying we must be happy about going through trials and tribulations? Not at all. When we face these hardships, it’s how we respond to them that makes the difference. While it’s true that we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control how we think about them. As 1 Peter 5:9 states, we must “stand firm” in the faith. When we face trials we must respond to them with a determination that things will get better, that we will get through it. God has promised us this.
All You Need is Jesus 
It is so hard to simply try to not have a bad attitude, never mind consider it pure joy!
I pray for you every day 🙏❤😊
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Thank you for your prayers. I really appreciate them! And thanks for reading!
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I get this struggle. When I really want to be cheery and lively but there are all these negative voices.
Always lean on God’s promises no matter how hard the situation gets. That way, you become strong even when you feel really weak. (hugs)
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It can be so hard sometime to be cheerful when all we want to do is focus on the negativity. But you’re right. Always lean on God’s promises. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
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Hi Leigh, I am so sorry you are going through so much. You are right “it’s how we respond to them that makes the difference.” I touched on this in my blog today because it is so important.
“We live in a fallen, dark world but we have a choice on what we choose to focus on: the light of Jesus or the darkness of the world. Since my mother’s death 28 years ago, I focus more and more on Jesus. Is it easy? No. But I realized, I can either give power to the problem or power to Jesus. If I focus on the problem, how can I focus on Jesus? Jesus needs to be first, my friends!”
Praying and believing God is healing you, and He is at work, behind the scenes, in the court case you have coming up in the future. 🙂
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I like what you said, “if I focus on the problem how can I focus on Jesus?” That is so true! As long as we focus on Jesus we can get through anything!
Thank you for the prayers! I truly appreciate them!
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You speak on something I was struggling with on Thursday. It was like so many thoughts were against me! And I had to pray to God if the accuser was against me for His hand to be upon me. My anxiety and worry definitely worked against me. But even then, God encouraged me. I think that’s the joy in trials. The moments where we get a glimpse or a brief moment of understanding and assurance. In some circumstances, it does not last long, and rarely ever long enough for me. But I work on being thankful and cling to the breakthroughs He gives. Thank you so much for sharing, Leigh!!!
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Thank you for reading! Isn’t it amazing how God works through us to write a post that touches on what someone else has been struggling with? I love how God works!
I wrestled with whether or not I was going to post this, actually. I just wasn’t sure I should.
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I’m really, REALLY glad you did 🙂 I think it is easy for us to have study posts, or teaching posts. But being honest and open? That is not always easy. However, it was for this reason Paul said he could boast in weakness so that the power of Christ would be upon him. I think our weakness can draw others closer. To help people understand a walk with Christ, and life will not be easy overnight. In fact, we may have a harder time. Turning away from flesh and turning to what is holy. It is not easy. I think hypocritical Christians stumble others when they are all fluff, blessing talk, and appear “flawless” by the world’s definition. Being real is important 🙂
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Keep on fighting Leigh; just know that your not alone in the fight. Jesus is already fighting for you! ❤️🙏
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Sometimes when your body and mind get in the way it may be time to step back and breathe. Do something you enjoy, take a break. I don’t discount the attacks of the enemy they are real but just rest in Jesus. You know that on most days you got this.
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Hi Leigh, the LORD put you on my heart this morning when I was reading my devotional. 🙂 I, too, have been through long periods of waiting and experienced difficulties as a result. I was reminded of God’s truth and faithfulness through the wise words of Oswald Chambers today:
“He works where He sends us to wait”
“…tarry…until…” (Luke 24:49).
“Wait on the LORD” and He will work (Psalm 37:34). But don’t wait sulking spiritually and feeling sorry for yourself, just because you can’t see one inch in front of you! Are we detached enough from our own spiritual fits of emotion to “wait patiently for him”? (37:7).Waiting is not sitting with folded hands doing nothing, but it is learning to do what we are told.”
“My Utmost for His Highest” devotional by Oswald Chambers
August 1, “Learning About His Ways”
I love the fact that, “He works where he sends us to wait.” He is fighting for YOU, Leigh, and He knows your whole story and everything you need mind, body, and soul. Rest in His promise, His timing, to make you a new creation in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17 New International Version (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Praying for you! I love how you share your heart and your relationship with Jesus when you write. Keep sharing your journey, we love hearing what God is doing in your life! 🙂
Shanon
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Thank you so much for your prayers! They are much appreciated!!
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