As each of my messages prior to this one have been open – real, raw and completely transparent, so this one will be also.

Recent Challenges

Within the past month and a half, my heart has been broken, my spirit has been tested, and my energy has been affected more than ever before. From a nine-day stomach virus (to which I literally just wanted to die) to my precious uncle Duncan, who I was extremely close with making his journey to Heaven, then my son being diagnosed with EOE, which is ultimately esophageal dysfunction, where he has allergic reactions internally to different types of foods (namely dairy) – life has been heavy to say the least.

Relying on God

Reliance on God is a true understatement. It has been all I can do to pray that He keeps my head above water and allows me to move forward by His grace. My thought process, you guys, is affected when I endure trials, those valley experiences that are absolutely inevitable in this world. Where we are weak, He is strong. I am completely a testament to that truth.

Enduring Trials with Joy

Understanding this is best told by the apostle, James. He gives us great knowledge by is words, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

Faith in God’s Plan

As believers, my precious friends, we MUST have faith in Christ, trusting that His word is truer than anything we can imagine – that “ALL things work together for the GOOD of those who love Him; those who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). 

Marriage and Partnership – God’s Handiwork

Many times, we can’t see “good,” we must trust and have faith. Other times, the Lord gives us eyes to see. One thing I have seen very clearly is the closeness between myself and my husband, the unwavering support he gives me and God’s influence on his heart to love me in these difficult times I go through. With that, on a note I wasn’t planning on writing – Don’t give up in your marriage, husband or wife. Fight the good fight to stay together. Pray without ceasing for your partner and love even when it’s terribly difficult to do so.

The Enemy’s Tactics

The enemy has been on a quest for many years to destroy the family unit God so amazingly put into place for us to abide by. It is his great joy (satan’s), when families are pulled apart by infidelity (especially adultery), lack of commitment, bad communication, unrealistic expectations, etc. – and the list could go on and on. As I watch with my spiritual eyes, within my soul, the absolutely devastating reality of the demise of marriage as we know it, I cry many tears. Crying these many tears has nothing to do with a personal connection to the millions affected by this reality, I cry these tears for the heart of the Lord, knowing He is hurt. I desire for satan to be defeated in all ways possible, but y’all, his cleverness is something we cannot understand – something we cannot control without the power of the Holy Spirit. Satan is and will be until the day of reckoning (it is to come, thank you Jesus!!), the king of deception and the ruler of this world. I will call him out every opportunity I get in hopes that someone listens and takes heed, not just staying silent, but doing what is right by seeking Jesus and submitting to His will on earth – something, precious friends, that is not easy –

• John 12:31 (ESV): “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”
• John 14:30 (ESV): “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me.”
• 2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV): “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers…”
• Ephesians 2:2 (ESV): “…you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air…”
• 1 John 5:19 (ESV): “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 

Future Vision for Ministry

As I have meditated with the Lord, seeking guidance on moving forward in ministry, the trajectory of my Blog, “Encouragement with Jen, can I get an Amen,” is changing. I desire to encourage; I desire for all to be happy and joyous while here living in this ever-changing crazy world, but I desire even more for no one to perish, but all to see me in Heaven, in paradise – as we meet Jesus face to face, oh what a glorious day it will be!

The Hope of Eternity

My hope is to develop more videos and ultimately create a podcast where it is even more personal and of course encouraging, but also educational in a way for you to really grasp the seriousness of eternity, and salvation, only achieved by a genuine acceptance and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please know I am so incredibly thankful and grateful to those of you who are willingly on this journey with me. A journey it is, a journey as we “pass through” from birth to our eternal resting place. Life, my precious friends, isn’t where it all ends – actually, it doesn’t even really begin until we are home. Let’s encourage one another to be reminded of this reality so that our choices may reflect such belief. Perfection – Never! A desire to please a Savior who literally went through the gates of Hell to save us – ALWAYS!

God bless and keep you!

Always,

Jen

Enjoy the additional encouragement in song. Click the link to hear the song pertaining to this week’s message of hope: Make it Through by Leanna Crawford