i never thought that i would do this on my blog. but, it is called "transparent thoughts" so, i suppose i'm not too far off in left field for going to where i am going to go. i have always been under the impression that God uses the weak of this world, those who are driven to their knees, those who live with scars to influence those who need Christ. i suppose it's two fold though. God does not want to just use the weak, but, He wants the weak to be an example of how one can be weak then made strong through Christ Jesus. there are words like restore, revive, refines, repent in the Bible. i have been told that i am weak. that there are still things that i am afraid of, that at this point in time should be over. that i need to grab a hold of myself so that i can be a great example to my children, on how Christianity can make a person strong, and i have not done this. most of this is true. so, as you see most of this is transparency. i know i have never once put myself on display or even have projected myself as one who could be used as an example of what Christ is like. i try to daily stay in His Word and i am striving to reach that goal, i am striving to become more like Christ. but, i fail miserably, and it seems i fail more than i succeed. maybe this is all coming across as a pity party, and you may be thinking, why in the world would she write an entire post on how much she fails. well, to begin with this is my first and quite possibly my last post such as this. however, this is supposed to be transparent, this lies heavy on my heart, and i felt so compelled to share it. joy is one of the most powerful weapons we have against satan, and a big question enters my mind, why don't I get some joy, and quit talking so negative. in my heart of hearts at this moment i feel quite "joyless" so i suppose i am opening myself up to satan to steal my joy. obviously, that's the case so i should cling to joy because it is a great source of strength that God has given to interrupt satan's plan. if i allow him to destroy me, i am useless for the Kingdom, i loose my strength and i allow satan to walk all over me. however, i need to remember that the joy of the Lord is my strength & I can do all things through Christ who is my strength. through joy, i can receive strength to do things that would other wise be impossible. what is amazing is that there is nothing that satan can do to stop me when my heart is full of joy. now, maybe i've been all over the map today with this post, and i suppose that's OK. i was taking the time to just jot down the thoughts that were on my heart and in my mind. hopefully something that i said will ring true to you, for that is my one and only goal.
Strong Enough/Matthew West
