From The Crucible (by Assoc. Pastor Linda Pugsley)

Often, as we look around in this world, we find no good thing (Psalm 12:1-2). Do not be dismayed. The heart of man, without God, cannot do any more than be evil. Stop crying over spilled milk, stop mourning over what someone did to you, stop lamenting over what you’ve done. You must strive to step back and get off the roller coaster mind games you get caught in.

God is over and above all this world and all that is in it. You must encourage yourself and others that God knows we don’t know! That’s why He calls to us and tells us to come to Him, for He is the Refuge, the Safety, the Quiet, and the Calm. He has all the answers. He knows how to match your schedule and requirements smoothly and how to give you strength to do the tasks at hand.

Stop saying silently or out loud that you’re too tired, too busy, trying to get it all done or can’t pay the bills, and can’t take it anymore! This is not the life God has for His saints. Pain and suffering are part of the construction of a saint but not the whole of the life. Complaints, doubts, despairs, angers, etc…these are warning signs that you are not in the fruit of the Spirit but rather the deeds of the flesh.

Keep praying, keep praising, hold your tongue, take every thought captive to Christ and you will come above all that was in your life or is in your life now. We are promised good success and a full life and abundance from our God. Keep going until you get it! Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

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