Church HealedНамуна

REMAIN

Jesus knew and understood the value of being able to remain despite the suffering. That’s why He tells us to remain in Him so that after He prunes us, trimming the areas that weren’t pleasing to Him, He is now able to continue to work in us, but only if we remain in Him!

About two years ago I experienced more disappointing situations in the church. I once again grew a bit frustrated because I thought I had healed from the hurt, and I did. I knew I healed because I did not have unforgiveness in my heart. I was quick to forgive those who hurt me whether it was intentional or not. I learned to assume the best in other’s actions, and if I had a frustration with someone I learned to talk to them about it instead of bottling up all the emotions. However, I was frustrated again with some of the leaders at the church because I noticed some gossip and dishonoring comments towards me. Later on, I figured that the Lord still wanted and needed to do some more pruning in me. Many times He would tell me, “They aren’t doing this to you. I am allowing this for you.” These were the times when His correction would embrace me and love me. Truth is, the many reasons I had to just quit and walk away from the church and ministry were valid. But no reason was greater than the one reason to remain: Jesus!

Through this season, or more like a whole year of pruning, I have learned something about God’s timing: the Lord likes to take His time. Not because He likes to make us wait, but because things that are rushed, don’t last. We don’t value things that are quickly obtained as much as those that take time to grow. We appreciate them more, and we don’t neglect the process. I knew the Lord wanted to take His time pruning me, shaping me, humbling me, and really cleaning up all those areas in my character that needed to be pruned so that I would bear good fruit.

My friend, this is my encouragement to you to remain in Him! There will be pruning but that is the only way to abide in Him. It is in that process that we see God’s sovereignty reign over difficult situations. It is in those seasons that our endurance gets tested and as we persevere we grow stronger in our love, trust, and faith in God.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father,

I pray that You continue to help me and give me the strength to remain in You even when people hurt me. Show me the areas you want to sharpen in me through others. Help me run to you when my heart, soul, and mind are weak. Protect my heart and mind from any schemes of the enemy. Lord, I thank You for healing me as I continue to grow closer to you. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Journal Prompts

• How do I respond when I face frustrations in the church?
• Am I willing to remain in His will despite the suffering?
• In what areas am I growing impatient and not trusting God in the process?