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This is one of the original 7 booklets that The Holy Spirit helped me write over 14 years ago. You can read about that adventure in
I feel prompted by Him to share it on the net. This was written when I still had lots of basics to learn about God's ways versus my ways! Rereading it now, I can see how far He has brought me through all He has taught me, and I have only just begun to learn to "walk" as He intends, not following my own pathetic, fruitless way.
I hope this will bless multitudes of hearts and lives as it is such
a basic lesson about the Christian life!
Lin, God's Little Writing Sheep
Prologue
All of us have daily trials,
sometimes seemingly without end.
Jesus told us that in this world we would have
trials and tribulations, but we are to "cheer up"
about it for He has overcome all things.
The Apostle Paul teaches us to count every trial,
every taxing of our patience
every trying of our faith
as wonderful joy!
Personally, I questioned Paul's sanity
until I came to understand that every troubling situation
is just another opportunity
for God to work miracles little and big in our lives
and to bear with us as we learn true patience and faith.
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Count It All Joy!
Lin LaTrajet, copyright 1999
I was almost afraid to get out of bed this morning! It has been one of those weeks where if it could go wrong, break down, refuse to work, or not work right, it did, angering and frustrating me without letup.The Spirit was assuring me He was strengthening me.
"Well, this is a fine way of doing it!" I thought.
"Couldn't I learn patience some other way, like, just read a book on it?
Couldn't you just give me patience, God?"
'Help me to exercise a meek and gentle spirit,
content with such things as I have,' I prayed silently.
In order to do that, I need to forget my expectations of what I think life should be like: joy, happiness, ease,
freedom from worry, and all those other
wonderful experiences that presently escape me.
Give me an attitude of gratefulness that my life is not worse than it is.
It is for many and will be for most of us as this world continually
becomes more challenging and treacherous for those not prepared.
The more I withstand in adversity, the stronger I will be when the really bad times come. Yes, I believe they will get worse! Jesus said so.
My perspective has been all wrong:
Apparently there isn't time for dressing up in
the cloak of rejoicing in this life!
The full armor of God is what is needed!!! Real armor: Battle dress!
Dress me for battle every day, Jesus, with the breastplate of Your righteousness, the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God, the helmet of salvation, my loins girded, and my feet shod with the gospel of peace, and above all, the shield of faith. You in me and over me, Jesus, for I am not wrestling and battling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Battling against things I cannot even see, but I know they are there. And, when I am weary to death of the battles that come from all directions, refresh me with Your Spirit, Jesus, so that I can stand to fight again and again until the battles are won forYour Sake and Your eternal glory!
My expectations are what cause all of my frustrations. There isn't love, peace and joy in this life in my daily walk. Keep reminding me, Lord, that I am walking daily in the battle zone. I'll have my pure white gown and crown, but not in this life. Now I am to be girded for battle!
Love, peace, joy, contentment, and ease are for the hereafter.
I don't think they were promised for here, so I will be happier not expecting them. If I expect nothing good but only warfare, I cannot be disappointed when good things don't materialize. If I fully understand that real goodness only exists in heaven, then I'll be less frustrated because I can't find any or give much here. I'll do better if I just concentrate on the battle of life!
Stop screaming inwardly, "Where's my peace and happiness?! I want some peace and happiness!" They are not to be in the physical realm.
Jesus said in this world you will have tribulation, but cheer up, I have overcome the world." Not even one day a month of peace, love and joy??? my wretched, weary, little heart cries!!!???
I am to get up every day and dress for battle, full armor, gird my loins, and all that. My problem is that I keep expecting the battles to be over, maybe have a day off, and here I am in the midst of fiercer ones!
Keeping the candle of inner peace glowing brightly with a steady, non-flickering flame while battling to the death every moment is not a talent I easily manage. Only Christ in me can accomplish that! On the outside, I am buffeted and beaten upon by the world, the flesh, and the enemy, and though they have no power over me, buffeting is buffeting!
My life resembles trying to keep a flame lighted in a high wind while wielding a big stick against a circle of attacking wolves! But, always when I truly let Christ reign in me, the candle of the Lord stays lighted, and the wolves are beaten back by His hand.
His candle in me burns steady and bright despite it all.
This is His Battle!!!
He will win it for me if I don't grow weary and faint!
I cannot achieve anything positive with a negative attitude.
Profound! Simple!
Updated on: 7/27/2011
