This past April, I was led to purchase a trinket box at the local dollar store. I was looking for a few candles, but as usual, the Lord knew what was coming around the corner. He knew a daily reminder of the Light of the World would benefit me more than a few tapers with flickering flames.
I love pictures of Jesus, but I am not usually drawn to the stereotypical solemn portrayals of Him, so when I distinctly heard in my spirit, “You need to buy that,” the word need shouted to my soul, “Get prepared! Something is coming up!”
As I walked to the car with my newly acquired treasure, the Lord tenderly spoke to me, “Whenever anything comes up with your children/family I want you to write it down and put it in the box, remembering that Jesus already paid for it all.”
Within days, anything turned into what felt like everything.
Mom, I injured my eye while welding.
Mom, I have a concerning lump.
Mom, my headaches are continuous and I am having severe dizziness and vision problems. They think I might have a brain tumor.
Mom, pray for your granddaughter. The situation is really bad, and I need to fight for full custody.
Mom, my finances have been wiped out.
Mom, pray for your grandsons.
The list goes on…..
Each time, I heard a bad report, I would pray with my son or daughter, and make agreement with the finished work of the cross.
Making agreement did not mean that I did not continue to pray, or even at times, call others to pray, it meant that I knew God was in control and that He was going to intervene. Worrying accomplishes nothing, but warfare moves mountains!
During the next few months as I continued to hear the struggles and listen to the hearts of family members, I would sometimes feel overwhelmed. But as I would write each new concern and place it in my Jesus box, God would bring to my mind scriptures such as Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 12:9, and tell me, “I’ve got this!”
Sometimes the struggle was more about forgiveness than faith. As I placed those papers in the box I would hear Jesus’ words on the cross, “…Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 2:34). Often as I released a paper in the box, God would release a vision or word to encourage and comfort me. I plan on sharing one of them in my next blog.
My Jesus box is now full, but so is my heart. The past six months of trials have strengthened my entire family. We have seen Jesus died for this and God’s got this played out in so many ways. Many prayers have already been answered (No cancer. No tumor. Healed eye) and relationships with the Lord have been nurtured. As in Romans 8:38, what the enemy intended for evil has been turned to much good.
As I wait on answers for the situations that are still in process I can trust in the Lord and have peace knowing that no matter what the situation or the outcome, because of His precious blood that was shed on the cross, I can have sweet fellowship with the one whose picture is portrayed on my prayer box. Yes, Jesus, truly did pay for it all!
I don’t what you’re going through today. Maybe you have received an alarming phone call. Maybe you or someone you love has just been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Maybe you are suffering because of sinful or unwise choices or because of the choices of others. Maybe you have just lost your job. Maybe you are going through a divorce. Maybe you are discouraged or are fighting depression. Maybe you just lost a loved one. Whatever you may be going through, my friend, there is not just power and strength in the name of Jesus, there is also sweet fellowship in His presence. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev 3:20 NKJV).
Below are some more scriptures that have recently encouraged me. I pray they would also encourage you.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV)
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NKJV).
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV).
So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6 NKJV).
“ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).
May you be abundantly blessed!
Jeannie