I want to bring a message of truth for those struggling in this lost and perishing world. If you belong to Jesus Christ, you must stop acting as the world does every time a crisis happens in your life. We are children of the Promise and nothing can change that or destroy the purpose God has for our lives. Don’t let a little shaking of the ground or the darkness of the storm around you cause you to take your eyes off the One who ransomed your life for all eternity! It is nothing less than blasphemy against your God to let the enemy see you giving more credence to his lies than to the truth of Jesus Christ! How many rivers and seas does God have to part before we will believe that he has all the power we ever need to fight our battles?
It takes true faith to trust that God is actually going to work your struggles out for your good. God never fails and he is faithful but the silence can be tormenting as you wait on his promises to be fulfilled. The enemy will taunt you to make you doubt God’s faithfulness, but the truth is that he is a defeated foe whose only weapon is his lies. The purpose and plan of God for your life have been settled long before you were created. Every single detail was known by God and he provided a way through every one of them. All it takes is for us to keep our eyes on him and trust him, but so often we forget what he has done for us in the past.
Each trial brings fear and anxious thoughts. The devil always has a way to make you see the worst of each situation. For that reason, you are to take captive every thought and line them up to be obedient to the teachings of Christ. He has told us that he can rescue us from any situation. God’s has already planned in advance to supply the power that is needed for his people to climb the hills and survive the valleys in this life. There is not a single struggle you endure that he has not seen long before the world was created. Why then do we still worry that God is not going to show up in time to help us? Do we actually believe that the Creator of this world and everything in it is going to forget a single detail of our lives? Our hope is secure and the battle is won in every area of our lives. All that we must do is surrender our weaknesses to the one who can work them all out for our good. It means waiting and trusting while the battle rages on knowing that we are victors. There is no such thing as a defeated Christian! Stop carrying around burdens that are not yours. Worry is a tool that the enemy uses to deflect the truth from believers. He can’t steal your joy so don’t just hand it over to him when problems arise.
The fact is that God will always take you to the edge of the water so that his power will be revealed as he makes a way to cross when there is none. You need to get to the end of your own strength before you can understand the immeasurable power that God has. Weary believers need to wake up and realize that God ‘s plan for your life cannot be hindered by your impossible situation. There is never a time when he leaves you to work things out on your own. It is for his good purpose that he allows the storms in your life. He is working out a perfect plan for you that has eternal rewards. You usually won’t understand the reason for all that happens to you but your faith should still not waver. Jesus is truth and he has said he will not forsake you!
Jesus said to his Apostle Thomas in John 20:27, “Stop doubting and believe.” That is his command to us today. Your problems can’t destroy you unless you let them. God still knows how to part the waters, move the mountains and hold back the sun to help you in the battle you are facing. To give up is to give in to the lie of a defeated enemy. That army of the living God has surrounded the camp and is taking back what was stolen from you! You are a force to be reckoned with because Christ is your leader. Never forget that your life was redeemed by the righteous blood of Jesus and he is not ever going to let you lose this fight!
Dear Lord, for those who are struggling and in a painful trial, I pray that you will help them to see that this message is for them!
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October 23, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Zet
Thank you for God’s message. It is true He is holding, guiding and leading me to the real truth, He wants my firm faith, tested under fire, even during the hardest struggle nothing can prevent me from running to Him swiftly. Dear Lord bless and grace us with complete trust to make us worthy to enjoy your presence.
October 24, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Caribbean Shulamite
Isa 8:10-14a is dear to my heart and it’s just what you were discussing here. We ought not to react as the unbeliever does if we are truly BELIEVERS of God and His word.
I will be sharing this with others. Blessings in Jesus Christ
October 24, 2009 at 6:33 pm
concernedx2
Marianne; How great and comforting are the thoughts that God has given you to share with those who are hurting. There are so many, literally millions of people who need to read this post and take hold of that same faith that compels you to declare the goodness of Jesus. Even the mighty need someone to hold up their hands when in the thick of battle, and the battle has never been hotter than at this present moment in America. It is a great privilege and honor to be a part of God’s great army who sometimes seem few but never fail to be mighty because of servants such as yourself. We can almost see the breaking of that brand new day that God has ordained for those who love him.
October 29, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Rachel
Marianne – awesome post! Your words are so powerful and solid because they are grounded on the Rock. It is true – many believers are giving into the lies of Satan and are forgetting the power of God. I love your point about lies is Satan’s weapon – how true and yet how powerful. A couple verses came to mind:
2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Proverbs 19:27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
Many aren’t spending that time with God in His Word feasting on their daily bread and their lives are showing it. They are heaping up teachers for themselves and their spirits are suffering greatly for it.
Thank you for such a powerful message.
Rachel
October 30, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Pam
Thank you, what a great message! Yes, we must be patient and wait on the Lord though times get rough we must never allow Satan’s lies to penetrate our thoughts…Our God Reigns!
October 31, 2009 at 2:23 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Rachel, thank you once again for your kind words. The verses you brought up are right on with my message. I always find that my ability to withstand attacks and lies from the enemy is directly proportional to the time I spend with God in his word!
October 31, 2009 at 2:25 am
Marianne Lordi
Thanks for stopping by, Pam. Always nice to hear from a fellow believer! I agree that we must neve allow Satan’s lies to fill our thoughts. We must deny him access to our mind by saturating ourselves with the truth that is in God’s word.
October 31, 2009 at 2:35 am
Marianne Lordi
Rev. York, I am so pleased for your comment and encouragement that you always bring. I was away on vacation and just got back and read your message. As you well know, I agree wholeheartedly with you that the battle in America is hotter than ever and sadly so many are falling prey to the lies of the enemy. This battle requires that true believers speak out with the truth despite the cost and stand to the end trusting and believing in the God we serve! The messages you post on your site never compromise the truth and that is why God continues to give you his wisdom. I am just glad that you are faithful to his calling!
October 31, 2009 at 2:38 am
Marianne Lordi
Caribbean Shulamite: Hi DD! Our actions as well as our reactions to the things in this world show if we are truly children of the Light. Thanks for sharing this message with others. You are such a blessing!
October 31, 2009 at 12:26 pm
concernedx2
Marianne, Just a few words to express my relief to see your response to these comments that you so faithfully make a reply. I was beginning to worry that all might not be well with you. Hope that your vacation was a good one and that you are richly blessed through the upcoming holidays.
November 2, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Ministry Addict
From Ihavetobelieve.wordpress.com
Imagine standing at the edge of the seashore with our toes barely at the surf line, occasionally the waves reach out and touch us, lapping at our feet. Sometimes we take this touch as an invitation, and wade deeper; sometimes it makes us run backwards, depending on our desire to get wet. Often, we have stood at the edge of God with our toes (and our hearts) barely at the edge of what He has for us. Occasionally He will come closer to us than He has been, and we find ourselves ankle deep. To some of us this is thrilling, to others of us, frightening . Sometimes we wade deeper into Him, sometimes we retreat, because we are just not ready to get that wet, to be fully immersed.
We stand… united through Jesus Christ, yet all separate people. Some older, some younger, both physically and spiritually, all wanting to go in the same direction, but not knowing exactly what is out there, beneath the visible surface. Some of us are looking forward, towards the unknown vastness of what God has for us, some looking back at the footprints of where we have been, all of us at the edge of possibility in God.
As we stand at the edge of the seashore, it seems as if we are touching eternity. These same sands and waters have been here since “God created,” and have touched the feet of countless souls. The ocean is so much like God-much more vast and powerful than we can ever imagine. All we can experience with our mortal bodies is the surface. When we, through faith, allow God to be our sustainer, we are carried up over the tops of the waves, into the midst of deeper love and trust. The ocean is always moving, never standing still, changing the shoreline and nearly everything it comes into contact with, but it is always the ocean. So God is-eternal and unchanging, yet infinite and never standing still. Once you have been touched by God, your shoreline will be changed, and your rough edges washed away.
And so we stand at the edge, dressed in His righteousness, ready to go forward, linked up… As we hold hands and proceed forward we are able to help [others] overcome when the waves get big, to go back and pick them up when they get knocked down, to bring them forward when they fall behind, to laugh together as we triumphantly make it over the top of another wave, and to encourage each other to go deeper.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! ~Romans 11:33
November 2, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Unhealthy vs. Healthy Fellowship « Stirring the Deep
[…] Why do we excuse them? 2 Corinthians 11:4 The other day a fellow blogger mentioned in her blog, God’s Promises are Real, that Satan’s only weapon is lies. But what an effective tool that […]
November 2, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Marianne Lordi
Ministry Addict, Glad to have you stop by. How incredibly fitting to my post is the remarkable message that I believe your wife wrote on her site! We are all standing at the edge of the water. But, we can never truly know the depths of God’s love for us until and unless we venture into the deepest part of the water and trust him to keep us on top.
November 9, 2009 at 12:44 am
jesuslivs
Hey sis..i really kind of miss being one of the first to comment on your writings :)) well you were right…this one was for me… it has never failed since I started reading your posts that each one I have read seems to point directly at me..as if God is speaking through you to make sure I hear AND remember what it is Ii need to…as always I thank God for you and your writing and faithfulness in doing so…I will return shortly and start filling my pages with whatever it is our father wants me to say…so keep your eyes open and be on the look out….thanks again sis..you’re in my prayer..PLEASE keep me inn yours
November 9, 2009 at 4:05 am
time2stand
Marianne, you are the one who should be writing a book! I have much love for you and continue to witness the Gospel and full truth of the Lord Jesus Christ! Such a blessing to serve with you!!! The refining with fire grows us in the Lord! Soon a day will come when everything, and I mean everything and everyone, who is not found in the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ will be tested with fire! But as for now, the fire is what we need in order to burn the chaf that is deep within our hearts! Only trusting in Christ are we free and are we able to do what seems impossible!
Talk to ya!
God bless,
Your brother in Christ,
Jeremy
November 9, 2009 at 11:00 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Lorenzo, I am so glad you stopped by. You were my encourager in the beginning so don’t leave me now! 🙂
This message is for you and I am so pleased that you will be back to your writing!! I will keep you in prayer as I always do!
November 9, 2009 at 11:16 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Jeremy,
I thank you for your encouragement. You are just a dedicated servant to the kingdom of Christ and it is such an honor to work with you in our projects. You have a gift, Jeremy, and I pray that God watches and protects you and your family as you give so much of yourself for the lost!!
November 10, 2009 at 1:51 am
Sarah Robison
Wow! Thank you so much for this post. I needed to hear this truth so badly at this time in my life.
Keep up the great writing!
November 10, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Sarah, I am so glad you stopped by. The truth is that I needed to hear this message myself! Sometimes in my struggles I forget that God’s perfect plan can’t be stopped in my life. When I get to the edge of the water, I need to remember that he has promised to never leave me. I must focus always on the character of God and not on the darkness of my situation.
God bless you, Sarah, and keep up the good work on your blog!
November 10, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Joe
As always, a timely word Marianne. Thank you for reminding us of God’s promises, which seem to get cloudy when reading the newspaper and watching cable news, and their unique slant on things. I’m saddened by how many placed their trust in the outcome of last year’s Presidential election and yet now seem to be as worried as ever. Philippians 4:6-7 is so familiar to us but sadly is forgotten too often in times like these.
Thank you as always for sharing what is on your heart. We all benefit from your wisdom and I hope you will be led to write more often.
Blessings to you Marianne !
November 10, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Joe, I really appreciate your kind words! I am also saddened to see that a lot of people put their trust more in a man than in God in this past election. The days are dark now and so many people are totally lost. I just pray that we can shine our light of Christ and reach some! The reason that I enjoy reading your posts is because you always stand on the truth! There is no compormise.
Please keep up with your good work in Christ. Shine the light!!
November 17, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Cheri Hardaway
Beautiful post, Marianne! I got the link to your blog from the discussion Chrissy posted at The Cypress Times, but I think I’ve been here before. All my info was filled in!
Hugs and prayers,
Cheri
November 17, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Cheri! I appeciate you stopping by. Thanks for the encouragement. It means a lot.
November 24, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Zainab
Dear Marianne, this message was definately for me durring this time of trial in my life. God has taken me to the water’s edge before and I promise you, when he parted that water for me, life was never the same for me again. My faith in God is over flowing and even though i have only 3 weeks to hear from Him, I can’t wait to see how this antisipated deliverance is going to arrive into my impossible situation. May the Faithful God continue to bless you sister Marianne, you can call yourself God’s favourite child because you are. Great work.
November 24, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Zainab, I pray that God will protect you and find favor with you as you wait on him with your impossible situation. Just keep your eyes on him for he sees the beginning to the end of your life and he knows what is best in your situation. I will be praying for you!
I also want to thank you for your kind words!
November 25, 2009 at 5:55 am
Zainab
Hello Marianne, thank you for praying for me. May I testify that I’ve seen God turn around imposible situations in my life. I’m a strong believer but the Lord always seem to test my faith and at the end of it all He puts a testimony in my mouth. In many instances, those around me at the time of deliverence are left in wonder. Its once again a trying time in my life and this time, like so many previously, He only can save. All my endevours are Godly and pleasing to God, and all I can do is to ask for His will to be done in this particular situation. The way the Lord deals with me makes me believe that He is calling me to work for His purpose but I don’t understand what it is that the Lord wants me to do, so please pray for me. May He continue to guide you as you deliver His message to His people. Be blessed always.
Your sister in Christ, zainab
November 25, 2009 at 10:44 am
Marianne Lordi
I will continue to pray for you, Zainab. Stay strong by reading the word and dwelling on His promises for you. Jesus has said that he will never fail you and that he will be with you in all things. The struggles in this life cannot harm a true believer but will be used for your good as Christ works it out to bring glory to him and strengthen you in your faith. Never make your troubling situation be bigger than your God!
I am believing and trusting with you that God’s perfect plan for your life will not fail!!!
November 26, 2009 at 7:49 am
Zainab
Dear Marianne, everytime i’m cast down, i come to this page for reassurance. I have received discouraging reports for my situation today and much as I am strong for the sake of my faith in the Lord , the feeling that God has forsaken me overwhelmes me. I need God desperately and my situation has become so difficult that I’ve exausted all possibilities of changing it. Its a matter for the Lord to exercise His authority and make the impossible happen for His mercy’s sake. I need a miracle and nothing less. Please pray for me some more for I need the only one who can beat all the odds. I’m growing wary and I need to hear from the Lord now. I strongly believe that with God, all things are possible, but I cannot endure the trial anymore. I need his mercy and grace, and claim His promise that He shall perfect that which concerns me. It would be heartbraking if this desire of my heart is not God’s will for my life as it is just to have a way to be with my family this christmas who are abroad. Please ask Him to Breath in my way Marianne. Thank you. May He bless you always.
Zainab
November 26, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Marianne Lordi
Dear Zainab, my heart is with you in your struggles. I know you feel overwhelmed and weary but you must hold on. I am praying for you and I am trusting that God will show you that he is with you in a very real way. When you truly understand that nothing good will God withhold from those whose walk is righteous ( and anyone who is in Christ has been made righteous) and he will give you all that you need for the pain you are in. Remember in Philippians 4:4-7, Paul was suffering in a bad prison. His words to us all weren’t ones of sorrow, instead, he said “Rejoice, I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all. The LORD is near. Do not be anxious for anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, wtih thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the God of peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus”.
Zainab, that verse if for you! I have memorized it because it would amaze me that someone suffering as Paul was could have such joy despite his situation. He was content because he KNEW that God was working it all out for his good. I am in the process of writing another post about being content and in peace despite problems. I have you in mind as I write this.
Stay strong, my sister. Please email me at commish07@zoominternet.net so that we can talk in private.
God Bless you.
December 1, 2009 at 7:50 am
timbob
Good morning. Two things came to mind while reading this. One is the children of Israel when they were pinned between the Red Sea and the Egyptians. The Lord had brought them out of Egypt and to this place. He then hardened Pharaohs heart to go after them. He assembled the entire thing and placed an exclamation mark on their deliverance that would be retold throughout the millenia.
Another thing is a passage that I visit often whenever complications arise. Job 13:15 readd “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” The Lord has every situation under control and can deliver in ways that we would never imagine. But even if fears of what may be should manifest, it doesn’t change the truths of Gods word or that “if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have an building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” When it begins to sink into our heart, just how temporal this life is and how everlasting the age to come is, it is very liberating.
This is a very important post as many saints are anxious these days over an array of issues.
Blessings always in Jesus name.
timbob
December 1, 2009 at 10:42 am
Marianne Lordi
I’m glad that that you stopped by, timbob, and for reminding me of Job’s powerful statement of trust. I say that verse in 13:15 aloud sometimes when I am feeling especially vulnerable in a situation. Your message is a great one and actually belongs right in my post! It is the finishing touch to the message that God gave me and I thank you for it.
December 2, 2009 at 5:13 am
Esther
Marianne,
This is encouraging and true. We shouldn’t believe in what man says or believes in, but settle for what God says and stand on His promises. I am holding on a little longer and even in the deep waters, he is Carrying me in his arms.
Thank you once again for the encouragement.
God bless you
December 2, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Esther, Keep holding on for God will never fail you. Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy but keep your eyes on the truth of the promises of God for you.
January 7, 2010 at 1:49 pm
sheila
Doing a really great job keep up the best work ever everyone needs to hear the truth .
God bless
Sheila
January 7, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you, Sheila, for stopping by and for your kind words. You are so right to say that everyone does need to hear the truth! God bless you also.
August 18, 2010 at 1:09 am
Jessica
Dear Marianne,
Thank you so much for your encouraging posts. It was a blessing to read them. You have a gift of encouraging with words. God used it to remind me to take every thought captive and to keep my eyes on Him.
I noticed that you’ve quoted from Charles Spurgeon on one of your posts. I love reading Spurgeon’s sermons as well (I own a 5-volume set of his sermons). 🙂 I was also initially intrigued to read the 16th-7th century Puritan works because Spurgeon mentioned so many of their quotes. Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read, or what are some of your favorite books? It would be nice to hear if you’d like to suggest one or more. 🙂
Thank you again for your posts. May God continue to bless you and all you do for His glory.
August 18, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Jessica, It is so nice that that you stopped by and I am glad that you were encouraged by my articles. Each one of my messages is a truth that God has taken me through myself or one that he is currently dealing with me on. That is why I am so passionate about what I write. I know without a doubt that it is truth not just some nice words. I always pray that God would bring those who need to hear these words to my site. He is the one who has given me the messages so he knows who he wants to read them and take them to heart.
I do love Charles Spurgeon and read a lot by him. Also, my favorite is A.W. Tozer who just makes God’s word come to life. He doesn’t water down the gospel of Christ like so many preachers do today. Also, A.w. Pink is fantastic and right on! Modern day writers like John MacArthur are powerful too. His book, HARD TO BELIEVE – The high cost and infinite value of floowing Jesus, is a book that changed my complete outlook in a very powerful way. I highly recommend it.
August 18, 2010 at 10:26 pm
Jessica
Hi Marianne,
Thank you for the suggestion. How wonderful… it looks like we have some shared favorite authors. I like Arthur Pink’s book The Sovereignty of God. It’s comforting to remember the divine truth of God’s sovereignty (in everything including His sovereign grace in saving me)…It’s hard to imagine where I would be if I did not believe in that. I used to listen to John MacArthur also on radio.
Thanks again for your reply and encouragement. It was a blessing.
May 2, 2011 at 12:12 am
T Wright
WOW!!! that message was defenitely for me to read. I have truly been blessed by your writings. GOD really speaks through you!! PLEASE
continue to hold me up in prayer. I REALLY NEED IT!! Some days for me are better than others as I go through the biggest storm to date. Some days I feel that no one wants to be bothered with me. I have learned that if your storm lasts too long, people will get tired. I will continue to trust in GOD. I truly want to live a life that’s pleasing to GOD!! He REALLY knows how to get my attention. I surrender to his will and purpose for my life as I continue to ask for strength and a increase in faith daily. Thank you again for your prayers!! I look forward to giving you a praise report!!
May 2, 2011 at 9:54 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi T. So glad that God brought you here to this message. It is one of the most powerful ones he has given me. And, it is the truth! If you have Christ living in you, you can’t be defeated so don’t listen as the enemy tries to put lies in your head. Stand firm for God will always give you all that you need to be victorious. You aren’t going to see his plans, but by faith, you MUST believe that his purpose for you is stronger that the battles you face!
You are in my prayers. Don’t worry if people get tired of hearing of your troubles. Take your pain to the one who never grows tired of hearing from you and who has the solution to bringing you through them all!
Don’t grow weary yourself, dear friend. I am praying and I know God is with you. You already have the victory. I will wait to hear the praise report as it all plays out in your life! Stay in peace for you are not alone!
May 16, 2012 at 7:38 am
Philemon Sabaga
Hi Marianne,
Wow!!! I thank God for taking me through this wonderful blog.I still don’t know how i just logned in here!But I know it’s the power of the Holy Spirit.Please,you are doing a very powerful ministry of which containing annointing that breaks the yoke! I am going through tough times that need faith.I have tried to print some pages from your writting and i know it will take me to the next level.please keep on keeping on.
You are blessed,
Philemon.
May 16, 2012 at 8:51 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Philemon, I am so glad you stopped by. I always pray for God to bring to this site those for whom he has given me his messages. It is good that you are going to print out some pages and I also hope that you shre them. My friend, always when I start to write a message, God alway has something for my life in it too. Most of what I wrtie are things that God has taken me through or that he has shown me. He has an answer for all of our problems. Too many of us seek to work things out alone and that will lead to failure. But there is not a bondage or a struggle that you can ever face that will ever be bigger than the God you serve who always leads you to triumph! That is a truth that you can believe in. I pray that you will stay strong and keep your eyes on Christ. Read your bible every day and let the strength of God fill you and his voice speak to you. You are never alone to fight your battles. Nothing can defeat you if you are in Christ. Even the enemy knows that. Be blessed, my friend. I will be praying for you. Please stop back and let me know how you are doing.
August 9, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Wyclef kyalo
There’s nothing imposible with God. This is very encouraging. God bless you.
August 9, 2012 at 10:40 pm
Marianne Lordi
Nothing is impossible with God, dear friend. Remember that he will always be more than enough for any struggle that you face. God bless you.
May 16, 2019 at 10:07 pm
Naa Cortes
This is awesome! I Love Jesus.. I believe in him. Tim Janis, one of my favorite. I Love his music. He is unique. Thank you to bring these exquusites…
May 16, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Marianne Bernard
Be blessed, dear friend. Jesus is all you need for victory in this life no matter what you are facing.
November 24, 2022 at 1:15 am
Macie Downs
Greeat share
November 29, 2022 at 6:49 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, Macie.