You see one day I was laying on my bed going through one of those moments, "Lord am I on hold or what? Do you see what I'm going through? Do you see what I'm doing? LORD WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?!!!" I tell you one-thing folks, I had to stay on my knees and pray against the flesh that wanted to strike out. Strike out against those who were conspiring against me, the kids who wouldn't listen, the loneliness that my heart felt at times, I mean all of it was on my shoulders. It was heavy and I had to fall on my knees. When I say I had to fall on my knees, believe me, I had to fall, crawl, scream and all that fun stuff. You know what I mean right?
Anyhow while I was on my knees doing one of those "Lord do you remember me?" speeches, oh y'all know what I mean. Then my phone rang. I answered it and it was a friend of mine who was going through some rough problems. Now let me tell you something, nothing worse than going through and having someone going through worse than you call. Half of you want to say, "Please I got my own issues," and the other half says, "My God, I thought I had it bad, but Lord someone always has it worse." Well I'm going to be honest, both cross my mind at times, but I usually go with the later and listen. I set aside what I'm doing and try to be a friend to my fellow sisters and brothers. As I was listening and talking to my friend, we ended up uplifting one another.
Hmmmm...My mind started to ponder on what was happening. It was as though the Spirit was giving me one of those life lessons. I realized that while I am down on my knees, I get blessed by lifting the spirits of others up. Sorta like they standing on me to be lifted up. Standing to see a light in their blind situation. A situation where they need my help, whether, it is in a word or deed, it's a sacrificial act that gives them hope. Even if I can't see out of my own adversity, I know God is able to help us both. They may not be able to reach a certain point in their life, unless I lifted them up. But, in order for me to lift them up, I had to stay on my knees and allowed them to climb higher. You see my point? Imagine it for a moment. Now this is what got me. Even though I am on my knees, that person can see things that I may not be able to see myself. They can also help me by my helping them. If I'm down and may not be in a position to elevate my spirit, why not help someone else. Many times sacrificing ones self and comfort for another is the key to one's deliverance and peace.
I realized something; it takes strength to lift a person. It takes stability to stand grounded on your foundation. You have to be responsible and trustworthy, not to move and cause that person to fall. If they fall, they get hurt and you too. Imagine God trusting you to be that beacon of light to someone in the midst of your adversity. He knows you down on your knees, crawling, looking for a way of escape. You know He is the escape, but it seems God is not in your reach. Well He wants to know if you going to grovel on the ground or wait on Him and still help others.
You see the enemy wants us to focus on the fact that we are "down on our luck" as folks like saying. I don't believe in luck. I believe that when we down its for a reason, whether its humbling, a time of rest, or a period that God wants us to sit still and not move. Many times moving in the spirit is not based on what you see happening in your life, but it could be what you are making happen in someone else's. Do you realize that's power right there? It's the power of faith. You may not see a way, but you trusting God. You know until your time comes, you can help another brother or sister bear a burden. Wasn't that one of the main things Jesus taught- our love for our fellow man? Of course it is.
So my friends, when you have those "down moments", make the best of them. Encourage others as they encourage you. You may see what they can't and vice versa. This not a "me or you" walk. It's about us as one in the body of Christ. We are not alone in our sufferings, as it may seem. God has not forgotten us or closed his ears to our cry. We are his children and we are destined for greatness, being joint heirs as Christ. At the same time we must partake in sufferings, but we can count it as joy when we can say, "Hey I may not get there right now, but I can help you my friend." That makes you a winner regardless, because you have planted a seed in a person's heart. That's what it is all about.
If you don't believe me, trust what Jesus said, "If I be lifted up from this earth, I will draw all men unto me." So when you down, lift up the name of Jesus, by your works with others. If this doesn't show the love of the resurrected Christ, I don't know what does.
Blessings,
Livi Stith
Christian Relationship Minister/Author
http://www.oliviastith.com
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