Will you please pray?
Friends, I want to be vulnerable with you, these past few weeks have been a difficult time for my family. We faced a series of traumatic health events with our son, and the experience is one that unleashes a multitude of trauma triggers. In my broken and shell-shocked spaces, the enemy is vicious, and his lies only seek to destroy my peace. My heart knows God's truths, yet that doesn't make me immune to the sufferings of this world.
The first line, will you please pray, was my battle cry. When my body is weary, when terrorizing fear keeps me awake at night with horrific nightmares, when the fog is thick and I need help being reminded of what is truth vs the lies of the enemy, my support system comes in with a vengeance. I sent that cry for help and immediately our people flooded us with a God-size wave of sharp armor.
I may not be able to control the circumstances of my sufferings, but I can trust that God is always in control.
Have you had a week like this? Spiritual warfare that rocked your foundation, left you feeling breathless, beaten down and weary?
I have no doubt you have, sweet friend. You are not alone.
When we face the day-to-day of our lives, we cannot overlook the role our "people" play. A God-led system is one of the most powerful gifts of community. If you are longing to build community, lean in - we all can use the encouragement on the circle we keep.
The Power of "Your People"
I'm sharing 4 practical focus areas to hone in on:
Community is Community. The size of your circle does not matter, but the quality does. I strive to love and be loved well by friends who seek God, they are not perfect - but, perfectly made in the desire to grow stronger in their relationship with God.
"Friends love each other the same way Christ loves us" -John 15:12-13
"Friends challenge each other to meet the highest good" -Proverbs 27:17
Pray. There is something incredibly special about trusting your circle to pray for you, and for you to in turn pray over them. When I am weak, I know I am able to trust them with my vulnerability and they cover me. In turn, when the roles reverse, I am willing to meet them in the same way. God did not intend for us to carry our burdens alone, rising up in prayer together is an absolute blessing. “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:2
Accountability. We strive to boldly hold ourselves & one another accountable. In the habits that we are looking to commit to, in the pursuit of a God focused life, in trusting God and leaning not on our own understanding (or ability we believe we have to control). It’s a checks & balance system of loving each other well, having empathy, yet holding strong footing.
Seek Wise Counsel. I strongly advocate and believe in seeking additional wise counsel, whether that be from a trusted mentor, pastor, ministry leader, medical professional, or counselor. I have reaped innumerable benefits from my Christian Counselor, who comes alongside me while pointing my gaze upward. This has been an essential step in my journey. For local and online counseling & therapy services we recommend, visit our website: https://www.fearlessunite.com/mental-health-resources. To learn more about my personal counselor, visit: https://www.jennabarbosa.com/
BONUS: I spoke earlier about the truth vs. the lies of the enemy. I believe this to be a space we all struggle with at times and wanted to equip you with the beautiful resource below as a reminder of God's voice. Stand in HIS truth. Along with a link to a worship song that has been on repeat that I love, I hope it is a source of comfort for you as it has been for me.
God desires my heart, all of it, so thank you for letting me share vulnerably with you all. I have a feeling my heart isn't the only one waging a battle, and my trust to lead stands firm in the One who is victorious. I stand firm that I will not live this life shackled to the fear of my sufferings and their ripple effects, and my friend - I pray you do not either. Hope and freedom are possible.
With Love –
Comments