The Struggle is Real – God is Real – Abundance abounds!

Musical note: The Struggle Is Over by Youth for Christ featuring Jonathan Nelson.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

(Please excuse the tense switch up with my verbs. Parts of the battle have ended, but some parts are an on going.)

Honestly, I feel like I’ve been in a fight for my life!

For years now the thief, the enemy, satan has attempted to beat me down. He’s attacked me physically, mentally and emotionally. He’s attempted to discourage and confuse me. There were times when everything in life seemed difficult. To think, walk, reason or even physically breathe was a challenge.

He attempted to attack through people and things for which I care greatly. (He still does.) He’s even attempted to utilize so called friends, co-workers and even family to attack. I’m not perfect, but I know I’ve been unjustly attacked and falsely accused at times. My integrity and walk with God has been questioned in various ways. Perceptions of me and my intentions have been suspect to people and taken out of context.

Even my physical home was a distraction – major and small repairs one right after the other. I couldn’t seem to keep up with all the needs. I was so physically sick I couldn’t clean like I wanted. It seemed as though nothing had it’s place. (I’ve always said the state of my residence reflects my state of mind.)

There are also days I have internal struggles. Days I wish there was someone whose chest I can bury my head. I’m sure some of you understand – someone to hold you and tell you all will be okay. I seek that person alongside with which to battle this life. There were and are moments I’ve felt very alone.

Despite all the above and in this time of dealing and adjusting to the spread of the virus along with the heartbreaking death of my brother – I feel like I’m coming out of a “funk.”

The more abundant is coming and the abundant is here.

Even at my lowest – there is always something of which to be thankful! I thank God I’m still standing! I thank God I’m still alive and breathing correctly. (For those who don’t know, I dragged a large oxygen tank around for about 6 months.) I’m grateful for the portion of right mind I have. (Smile, 😳 some may question that.) I’m excited my health is much better and I can move and do things I couldn’t.

I’m grateful for God guiding me through some valleys. Grateful for the wisdom knowledge and understanding gained in those valleys. Grateful for the loving family and friends I do have. I’ve even gained appreciation for the lessons I’ve learned from those who are/were like “Judas” to me. In general I’m grateful for the numerous ways God has blessed me.

I am still attempting prayerfully to process through those rough years to not cause cycles of behavior. I’m attempting to learn, heal and trust God even more to not be hindered. Although I know I need to guard my heart, I also recognize I need to love and show the love of God freely.

I recognize this can only be accomplished studying, seeking God first and by truly accepting the example of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. To the best of my ability, I hope to apply the concepts gained to my life.

“Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John‬ ‭10:7-9‬ ‭

The next verse – “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John‬ ‭10:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

So grateful this chapter of John also says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John‬ ‭10:27-30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I am utterly grateful we are in His hand!

Gratefulness and faith are why I can say the abundance is here and “the much more” is to come. Praise God the enemy continues to be defeated!

I hope my testimony helps someone. That is my prayer.