Advance It

It has been awful to read of Tami's husband's cancer and the stay of her mother in hospice.

"All life is suffering" said the Buddah. Suffering is a mystery that infects the God created human race. I would not use suffering as a chance to witness. Rather I would see it as simply what is and endure it until whatever caused it has passed. Or die in the confidence that what I have been through is simply a matter of being alive. I hope I find myself in the Lamb's Book of Life one day. Until then: Thanks for powered by 4. Robert

About prayer, I use to not have an "eager expectation". I do now. I am so thankful God has shown me in my life that He is a real God we serve.

Almost 3 years ago, I learned I had breast cancer that would require chemo and radiation. When coworkers asked if I was afraid, I told them that I did not want to do it and was not looking forward to it. But, my prayer was that through the experience, I would be more like Jesus. I have seen so much fruit from this prayer, both in my personal life and at least one coworker who came to Christ because of it. That is one way to make suffering count.

No one likes hard times yet I see such great spiritual grow in myself and others! Like Paul I pray for courage and wisdom and since I know this is in Gods will he will give generously. The more God is faithful the more confident I become the more others see Christ in me. My desire to be ready with th right words has come from Gods desire for my witness to go beyond example. God is great!... My prayer is that others can find power in God... Peace and Love!

I met Jesus while residing at a rescue mission for homeless men, drug addicts and alcoholics. Skid row bums we were called with nowhere else to go. I wasn't sure I was going to stick around because there were people there from all walks of life: Whites/Blacks/Hispanic/Indian/Asian/Hawaiian/Samoan/Cuban, as-well-as Bloods/Crypts/Hells Angles and Outlaws and GOD only knows who else. But the fact of the matter was we were all in the same boat: down on our luck, in need of help; that miraculously came by way of Jesus Christ Himself! The One & Only "true" living GOD!!! Just as we don't know where the wind comes from or where it goes, so it is with the spirit, amen? Because I saw things in that rescue mission that you just don't usually see. Men from all walks of life "getting" along; helping one another. We had 2 Church services per day plus Bible studies. It was a Christian based recovery program. One of the most beautiful-est things I ever experienced was when we would stand up and sing gospel songs. 450-500 men that normally don't get along singing and worshiping GOD together! I still get goose bumps when I reflect back on it and even now as I share it with you all. It renewed my faith in humanity and taught me that we are all members of the same race: the human race and we can live in harmony with one another, if we so choose too. I chose to stay, because I got a taste of Jesus and saw how HE could work and I wanted more! Although, the mission was reluctant to let me stay because I was an A/K amputee on crutches and there were 3 floors to the mission with no elevator. But I was willing to navigate those steps to get what was there ... viz. HIM! I later found out that "I" was an inspiration to many of my brothers there in that mission, because of what I "wanted" and was "willing" to do to get it. Less than optimal situation? I'll say. But now I know that nothing is impossible for GOD! Amen and HALLELUJAH to the Lamb of GOD who takes away the sin of the world!!! GOD removed hate and discontent and replaced it with Love!

Robert,

Thank you for your comment this morning. I want to assure you that as awful as those situations may sound, they were actually precious. You see my mom had a strong relationship with the Lord and my husband and I do as well. He held us in His arms and provided each us with the strength we needed to get through. In fact, it drew all of us closer to the Lord and closer to each other. Salvation through Christ ensured my mom, and ensures my husband and I, that our names are definitely recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The awesome thing is that salvation (having our name in the Lamb’s Book of Life) is available to everyone as a result of Jesus shedding His blood for our sins on the cross.

If you want to read more, check out this link to "Jesus Who."

Tami W.

Kenny,
Thank you for your encouraging testimony. It strengthens my faith to see that what Christ did for you and those other men, he can do for anyone that will look to Him and trust Him.

Kenny-
I too thank you for your awesome testimony. I loved the metaphor about the wind and Christ. I have never heard it, but it is so true. Sometimes we are touched by Christ when we least expect it. I know I am. This is the 4th or 5th time that I have been told to pray and expect things, just as Paul was expecting when he prayed.

I have been out of work for a couple of months and with that I haven't been getting unemployment benefits because I have also been under medical treatment and unable to work. So money is tight!

I was released to start looking for work yesterday. I am so excited because my family needs the money, however cautious because I know that I can easily take the first job that is offered to me and fall back into a horrible habit...I am a workaholic.

It may seem the “norm” now in America, but it has ruined my relationships with my kids, my relationship with my husband, and my health.

So hear is the positive stuff. I am so excited to share!

I have been praying to find that job with the work-life balance. But more than that, I have praying with the expectation that it will happen, just as Paul prayed with expectation.

It was scary at first. Doubt came in every ear at all times of the day. But the more I prayed, the more I was moved to pray with an expectation to hear the still small voice and know what that job will be. Then more doubt, "Who are you to demand of God?" But my paster said to pray with expectation, Paul just prayed with expectation, so I'm going for it- I'm expecting. I'm worth it and my family is worth it!

So I keep praying with the expectation that I will be blessed with a work-life balance job -and now that I can officially look, my doubts have subsided and I know that I will be blessed with that job-- and until then, I also know I will make it through.

this scripture wow its just amazin it just shows to me that paul had totally made up his mind that he was going to serve God no matter wat came against him he had wat i think is child like faith no matter where he was wat he faced God and preaching the message were the most important things on his agenda and it really encourages me to really believe in God no matter e circumstances

a mans strength is not seen wen things are alway good but in his hour of turmoil God didnt promise days without pain laughter without sorrow or the sun without rain but he did promise strength 4 e day comfort for the tears and light for the way if God brings u to it he will bring you thru it

Hello Everyone and Tami

I have discovered that as a Christian the harder the situation your in, the more your blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit when you ask for his strength and love because he will show you just that. It may not make any sense to us why we are suffering but it's comforting to know and trust that God is working behind the scenes and if we lean on him completely no matter what the outcome of our trials, it will ultimately be for his glory. We are to live our lives humbly serving him. No matter what trials that are currently happening now or trials that may come in the future we just trust in him because overcoming the test of faith will overflow the spiritual blessings. I am in a middle of a trial right now and I can truly say that this has thus far been the hardest thing that I have been through in my life, but my relationship with God has never been this closer and I can humbly say I am so passionate about him now and I don't want to loose that passion for him. :)

My health has been a constant challenge. But I work on rejoicing and counting my blessing. I have severe nueropathy, chronic pain, and
problem sleeping, CFS & depression. Yet through it all I have learned to trust in Jesus and lean upon His name. The Joy of the Lord is my strength. Right now I am struggling with depression so would sure
appreciate your prayers.

(I am a day behind on Powered by 4)
Kenny,
Thank you from me also for your words about life in a rescue mission for homeless men. Most of us cannot even imagine! And how timely your comments about men of all races, ages and backgrounds getting along, because of Christ! A time when our world sees fighting (everyday on the news)among nations and people everywhere. I also am inspired by your desire to know Him so much that you were willing to navigate those stairs. I needed to be reminded that as you mentioned, with God, nothing is impossible. I have just started Powered By 4 and I'm grateful for it.
Alice

Dorothy, thanks for sharing with us. We're so sorry to hear about the difficulties you face each day. We'll definitely lift you up in prayer. Tami W.

Dear Dorothy, I just prayed for you! And will keep you in my prayers too! I too suffer from depression and not able to sleep. Or I use to. The doctors had me taking all kinds of anti-depressant drugs. I didn't like how the pills made me feel. So I quit taking them. I returned to drugs and drink as a solution. They didn't work either. I tried 12 step programs and could never substain any length of sobriety. Then when I hooked up with Jesus (I do not know how that happens--I think it's different for each individual). Anyhow Dorothy, HE removed my compulsion/addiction. So much so that I can take a drink today if I want to and not want another one! That is so phenomenal Dorothy; coming from someone who had to have a drink in the morning just to get started. When I'm with the LORD, praying, mediating, reading HIS word, I am never depressed, I have a song in my heart (that I know only HE could put there).
PLEASE UNDERSTAND DOROTHY, I am not a doctor, and I am in no way telling you to stop taking your medication. I just wanted to tell you that Jesus did something for me that no pill or doctor could do and that is nothing short of miraculous. GOD bless you my friend! Know that I love you and you're in my prayers!