God will turn the bitter experiences of our lives to pleasant testimonies of His comfort
A Scripture Verse
Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted", Matthew 5:5, King James Version (Cambridge Edition)
About Our Ministry
Naomi’s Ministry is Christian blog designed to provide encouragement, strength and prayer to individuals who are experiencing loss, grief and recovering from traumatic experiences.
This blog site is to encourage, pray and support persons experiencing a wide range of losses that anyone of us may experience in our lifetime. The parting of a special loved one by death; divorce; the loss of job and financial security; the loss of limb(s) or debilitating illness or disease; the loss of a home or opportunity, are all "losses" and at varying degrees, may catapult you into a grieving cycle or traumatic event. However, we may not be on the road to recovery, if the right resources are not available to give us perspective on our feelings and the changes that happens in one’s life when a loss of any kind occurs. We need courage to grieve and to wait before God for the healing that comes, sometimes, one day at a time.
This is "first" a ministry of encouragement:
Know that what you are going through is normal for anyone who has experienced what you have experienced. Knowing how to go through the process, recognizing when you are grieving and seeking the help you may need will aid in the recovery process.
Know that it is okay that you are hurting. No explanations are needed. Admitting that is a first step toward your recovery. Recovery does not mean that you will forget the one or object of your loss. This also does not mean you will not forget the trauma of your victimization. Emotional healing will allow you to live authentically, freely, victoriously in spite of the event. God wants you to have His Victory through His Son, Jesus Christ who won it on the Cross of Calvary for you and I.
Know that you are not alone. Jesus Christ promised never to leave us or forsake us (The book of Hebrews, chapter 13, verse 5). This promise found in the Holy Scriptures is a promise from the Lord Himself that He is always with us, even during our darkest nights. Jesus also said, “I will not leave you comfortless” (The book of the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 18).
Know that “The Comforter will come” (The book of the Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 7). The Comforter that Jesus Christ is referencing is God the Holy Spirit, (part of the triune Godhead). As you call out to God in faith during this time of tremendous emotional and sometimes physical pain, the Lord will send His Spirit to minister to your mind, body, soul and spirit. He alone can heal the hurts of loss, grief and trauma. The Holy Spirit will wipe away "your tears". Jesus "is willing" to heal you if you but ask and trust Him in the process of recovery.
Know one day you will be able to smile again. The sun will shine in your heart again. You will laugh again. You will have more good days to come. The Lord knows the thoughts and plans he has for us (Jeremiah 29:11), even if you cannot see it in the midst of this defining moment. If you will trust the Lord’s plans for you, you will come through this season, whole and able to continue on in your life’s journey.
Search out a safe and Word-filled church home or fellowship, counselor/support group. God’s Word is the answer. Read Psalms 34, 41, 42, 91, 103, 107, 112, 119, 121, 123, 140, 145. Depending on our needs, we may also need some assistance beyond what a blog, book or cards offer. Professional help is available. Pray and ask the Lord to direct you to a place of healing and confidentiality. Check out the resources at your church or another Christ-centered congregation. Please do not grieve alone.
The time for recovery is NOW. Just like you would go to the hospital’s emergency room if you were physically in need of medical treatment, so during high levels of emotional crisis, you should not wait to seek help or assistance. DON’T WAIT TO GET HELP. This is the time to admit that you are hurting and it is okay.
Keep talking to God the Father, the Father of ALL Comfort. He knows your grief and the journey ahead. Also believe that He loves you even when you are sad. This ministry is reaching out to you with Jesus' love. We are praying for your total healing and recovery.
If you are interested in receiving prayer, please write me at: jesusislord14@outlook.com. Please do not request money - request prayer.
God loves you. We are praying you will feel His love and comfort every time you reach out to read the messages.
Jesus THE SON OF GOD is Lord!
Shalom.
Sister Birdsong
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanking God in the Midst of Suffering
On the eve of the day we take an "emphatic rest" to mention a word of "Thanks" to the one who is so good to us throughout the year, He is the Lord, I wanted to write a word of encouragement after so many months of following other writing pursuits, a season of warfare and transition and upheaval and re-direction.
You know, I am learning as I get older to really take it "one day at a time". When I was young, it was about being busy, so busy that life went by me in a blur. Many mistakes and fast decisions (and rough consequences) were birthed during these times. The emphatic "repose" has become a delicious "delight" to my soul, especially in adversity, loss and transition. I'm not becoming an "old fogey"....but I'm taking the time to realize that major life decisions and transitions cannot be overcome in the hurriedness of life. I (you) don't have anything to prove - and that is becoming more of a reality and relief for me. Taking the time to live one day at a time, gives me more time to spend with the Lord, to wait on the Lord, to ask questions, seek counsel, rest, get more sleep and the list goes on...reflecting and being still is better than "always moving".
Just because you are busy doesn't mean you are accomplishing anything, you know? I want my life to have meaning, even when I suffer a loss, the death of someone close, a job upheaval or just a calm day. I want to take notice of my life, my decisions and to hear what God is saying about how to turn this way or that way. You can't get that in the hurry.
Things, loss, death, torn relationships, disappointment can happen so quick! And then as C.S. Lewis, that great English theologian says, "God has to use the mess to be megaphone" about what He is saying to you about who you are in Him. No matter what happens, whether "we die or live" we are In Christ.
I want you to know that you have a fellow-laborer in the Lord with you today. Walking it out my soul salvation step by step. I decided that I would enjoy the Lord for the next two days in the midst of my adversity in prayer, praise and rest and meditation. I plan to get some reading and writing done. To clean up my home and enjoy the blessings I have. To cry a little when I want to...and to laugh as well. I will make a few phone calls and just say hello to some folks and then I'm going to go to bed and watch a couple of good movies.
In the last week, I've been studying the book of Esther (again). This is a DVD "book by book" series you can order. It's been wonderful to hear the commentary on this great story on how God is never mentioned in the story, but "His name" is interwoven in the pages and background of how He works in the life of this young woman and her uncle, Mordecai.
Today or this holiday due to you own personal pain, you may not be able to hear God's voice, or feel compelled to read the Bible or listen to a tape on the Bible. But He is there, always there. Whether you have turkey on the table or not, praise Him, love Him and He will bring His own supper to your table.
He is indeed that great "table in the wilderness" of our lives. That's why I love HIM so...He is always there.
Thank you Lord for being YOU and watching over us all of appointed days through.....
In Christ's Majestic Name.....
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