We are glad to hear that you are clinging to Jesus, rutleyjr, and we want to assure you that He is faithful to help you through this time. Remember the words of the Apostle Paul, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 WEB.
Not one of the many things you have going on in your life can separate you from Christ as long as you don't willfully separate yourself from him by sin.
While it is commendable that you are not currently sinning, we want to remind you that everyone has sinned and falls short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 WEB. It is only by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ that we are saved and set free from sin. So we will not live in guilt.
However, we want to rebuke the idea that sin has brought you to your current circumstances. While sin certainly has consequences, it is not the ultimate determiner of our trials. Sometimes, God allows trials in our lives to test our faith. We call this pruning before the harvest of stress or drama in your life. Remember the words of Jesus, In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 WEB as well as the example of Christ. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights. He was hungry afterward. Matthew 4:1-2 WEB.
Let us pray for you:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today in the name of Jesus Christ, lifting up rutleyjr. Lord, they are clinging to Jesus and seeking Your face in the midst of trials. We ask that You would be merciful to them and grant them deliverance from these circumstances.
However, we know Your will is primary, and this may not be Your will. Help them remain strong and obedient even if they need to go through this storm. They need you walking with them. Strengthen their faith and help them to endure, growing more like Christ through this time. They need to experience the rewards of experiencing Christ and sustaining them. Help them remain focused on You.
Father help them continue standing firm on Your principles and keep them from falling back into past sin. We have Your way for you to keep them from sin if they find themselves walking in isolation and unsupported. There are so many ways to have help, and if they need help finding the right fellowship, then we hope the Holy Spirit will prompt them to get the help as You have for them.
Give them a Christian Spiritual Mentor or close friend to help get them through this trial who can pray with them, intercede, and give encouraging words.
You love rutleyjr dearly, and we trust that You will make this known to them above all else. For Your glory we pray. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Continue to trust in the Lord, and remember that He is faithful. We encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2 WEB. Turn all your worries and trials over to Jesus so all will be well with your soul. It is the storms in life that make us crave the comforts of home and paying the bills for the month.
Some things to consider:
1. Have you openly and faithfully worshipped the Lord your God with all your heart, soul mind, and strength?
2. Are you finding pleasure from the darkness rather than quickly turning away to stop the temptation? If so then may the Lord give you the heart to stand back up and stop any bad habits. You cannot do this alone, so if you need help then please let us know.
3. You are communicating the times that you are reading the scriptures so make sure you doing so daily, have a set time for prayer, look for alternative meanings in any Scriptures that your reading.
4. Lastly, always make time to rest and take a breather.
Keep the faith, rutleyjr. We are here for you and standing with you in prayer.