Press in, Press through [Dream Again Day 16]

I must not be very good at series writing, my friends. I keep having these extra words come pouring out, slip in between and trying to find a place. I think I’m still trying to find my place. How is that I can be so certain and feel so strong one day, and the next barely wanting to lift my head?

I know the place I must go to find that strength again, the place where I get to exchange my weakness for grace — for strength.

It seem like the battle is getting stronger. Last week I struggled with discouragement and today it seems to have brought a friend named confusion. As if 1000 voices screaming come this way and that, and my head is wanting to turn to the right and to the left and where the head goes the body follows.

And a few weights have begun to entangle and their names just might be selfish ambition and pride. And I just want to fall on my knees and cry, but there are kids to play with and children to lead. There are dishes piling and laundry alike.

And I wonder, again, “Is all of this writing what I’m supposed to be doing? Soul-labor of writing true.”

But this is what He’s said to do, and as I take these penciled rhema words raw straight from the pages of my journal, “There’s a world that needs My salvation, and if you hold back the truth, if you hold back the words on account of worrying about whether it’s all right, worrying if this is what the readers want to read, then there are those who will remain in bondage, those who will not know the truth I’m wanting to tell — to free souls, to deliver them from darkness, to heal broken hearts.”

And He urges on, “Press in. Press through.”

I run this race in pursuit of God, to fulfill His purpose in my life. It’s a marathon, and I just might be hitting my wall, and last week I had to encourage my own soul. And when I’m calling myself a failure, I know I’ve been running in my own strength, because His strength is always enough.

God sent grace through community, and the strength and the upholding in community is real. I would have foundered without it.

These joyous words came in a private message, “Since following this series, I have drawn closer to knowing Jesus than ever before.”

These encouraging words came in a tweet, “Your kind spirit, honest words, and huge heart make me love Jesus more.”

These grateful words came in a comment, “Thanks for showing all of your colors that we may find our own.”

These burden-lifting words came in a text, “I’m praying for you.”

These grace-filled, humbling words came in a post card, hand written that someone took the time to write, and send it. It reached me this day that God knew I needed it most. “Your bravery, heart for God, and passion for others inspire me to chase my own dreams.”

It’s all about Him, friends. It’s all about Him Michele-Lyn. And we never know what difference our live-giving words might make for eternity when we are obedient to be generous with them.

Faithful friends, I’m grateful.
Faithful pray-ers, I need you.

And my heart yearns with a burning to reach far and wide my arms and my heart and my words with this message to weary mamas, women’s burdened souls, “You don’t have to do it alone. You are not the only one. The moment we want to isolate ourselves, and choose to run and hide — the enemy will rejoice.”

We are called to lean, to trust to obey, and to follow Him – the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

And we are called to do it together, as One body in Him.

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing”. 1 Thess 5:11 NLT

How can I pray for you?

Write It Out: Simple today, friends. Will you think of someone that might need some encouragement? Will send them a few lines of live-giving, grace-filled, uplifting words to them? You never know what someone might be battling and need your help.

Say it Loud: “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10 MSG)