Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life (Psalm 138:7)
Have you ever been in a painful trial in life which made you feel like you were all alone? The storms you face in this world can sometimes make you feel isolated and without hope. And, although well-meaning friends want to help you, there often is little that they can do. You really want to believe that God is with you in that battle, but that may be hard to do when the enemy surrounds you on all sides! When you come to these lonely places, it is then that you must take all thoughts captive to the truth of the promises of Christ!
In Scripture, David told King Saul that he would go against the giant Goliath who was threatening to kill the Israelites. Although he was only a young man alone, David knew that the force and strength of his God would be with him. As David ran toward the giant armed only with a sling and 5 stones, he was confident that he would be victorious against the enemy – and he was. David won this battle before he even started because his hope was steadfast in his faith that God would not fail him. He never hesitated by allowing worry to have entry to his mind. He knew the God that he served enough to take him at his word.
All of the battles that you face as a believer are fought on holy ground because the power of God is with you. You are in the company of the army of heavenly forces who know well how to deal with the enemy. You are never left to fight alone. As David understood that God was giving him his victory, so must you know that you are a conqueror against all that comes against you. You must never let your situation cause you to be anxious. Worry is nothing but the whispers of lies from a defeated enemy! Satan wants you to make you feel alone and hopeless so that he can get a foothold into your mind. Don’t give him access.
The truth is all the force that you need to defeat your feelings of hopelessness. Your financial struggles, marriage problems, health issues, addictions or heartaches are all under the power of a Sovereign God who knows how to take you safely through them. Your weaknesses are not hidden from the eye of an omniscient God who offers you his strength when you have none of your own. He is never limited by the scope of your impossible situation. His power is not confined to boundaries and it supersedes the scientific laws of this world. Most importantly, your painful struggle was seen by God long before you were born and he prepared a way to take you to victory. He has not forgotten you now and he never will.
It is the lonely places that put you next to the heart of your God. For it is when you have nowhere else to turn that you realize that God’s power was all that you ever needed. Jesus paid the price so that those who believed would be made more than a conqueror in all the battles of this world. Never surrender your joy no matter how bad the problems in your life seem. Though you may not understand it now, Christ is working it all out to fit into the perfect plan that he ordained for your life. The One who keeps all your tears in a bottle will not let you drown in despair. Jesus said “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows”.(Matthew 10:29-31) There is nothing you must face that will not be measured and timed by God’s own hand.
Whatever is overwhelming you in your life right now has a purpose to bring you closer to God. The winds of trouble and the storms of your life must all submit to the will of God for you. Your battle will never be stronger than the refuge and strength of your God! The bible tells us, “Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. (Psalm 30:5) That means that every painful struggle has a timing for it to end. And it is only then that you will understand the power of God whose love for you never failed.
I pray that those who are struggling or in a painful trial will know the peace of God that surpasses understanding. No matter what is going on in your life, please remember that it will never be bigger than your God!
28 comments
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May 28, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Renz
Wow, another great article Marianne!! You are such a blessing to a lot of people whose hearts are filled with hope through the articles that you write! May God’s peace be with you also!
I am also very thankful to God for giving me a friend like you, a friend whom God uses to strengthen my faith even if you are very far away from where I am. Truly, nothing is impossible for God!
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May 28, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Rachel
What an encouraging post! I remember a couple of years ago – I was in that place of feeling alone and like no one cared truly what was happening in my aching soul – but then I clealry heard God say, “I care.” Those words sent a ray of light through me and I knew I was never alone and never would be again. Since then, I haven’t gone to that place. I know He is truly with Me and truly cares. And if He is all I have it is more than enough. It is amazing how His presence can fill you to such an extent.
Powerful words and truths you’ve spoken here Marianne, thanks.
Rachel
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May 28, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Marianne Lordi
Rachel, I haven’t talked to you in a while. I am so glad you stopped – I really appreciate it. It is funny that you said that God spoke to you saying ” I care” when you were in a lonely place because that happened to me also. And it is true. The enemy wants us to believe that we are alone in our battles when in fact legions of angels surround those who belong to him. We who are his are never out of his sight or care. That is hard to remember when you are in a painful struggle but it is the truth!
I need to focus on this truth and not let myself listen to the lies of the enemy when I am in the storm.
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May 28, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Renz! I am so glad that you check back to this spot because I think of you sometimes when I write my articles. We may be far apart in distance, but we are joined in the body of Christ and that makes us related and very close. I appreciate your encouragement and I hope you continue to walk in the truth and believe that God is working all things out for you in a perfect way.
I hope to write another article soon. I continue to keep you in prayer each night! God bless you, my friend.
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June 1, 2010 at 1:17 am
concernedx2
Many thanks Marianne for your labor of love in providing words of encouragement for those who have grown weary in the struggles of life. You have scored another victory in your warefare against Satan. I am reminded of a quotation that I recently saw which went something like this. “DON’T BE CONCERNED WHEN THE STRUGGLES OF LIFE CAUSE YOU ANXIETY; JUST REMEMBER THAT MOSES STARTED OUT AS A BASKET CASE.”
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June 1, 2010 at 10:03 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Rev. York!! How glad I am to hear from you. I had gotten used to seeking out your counsel in the writing you did. Please tell me you are going to start it up again!
I wrote this message in a very lonely place for me. That is why it was a longer time between my articles. I think God wanted me to understand these words before I wrote them. My struggles are not hidden from God. He is working them out right now even though I can’t see it or feel it. I just know the God I serve and that he has a plan that doesn’t fail. It gets hard sometimes and it certainly gets lonely. But just knowing that he is watching over me is the comfort I need to keep going.
Please keep in touch. I am praying for you and hoping to hear from you again.
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June 1, 2010 at 8:49 pm
concernedx2
Thank you for your prayers, Marianne. In the not too distant past I clicked onto a link that had made connection with my site. It led me to a site written by a couple atheists whose logic seemed to be more than a couple of bricks short of a full load; if you know what I mean. I did discover that they had a revolving blogroll consisting of quite a few even though I am unimpressed by numbers from Hell. However, I saw only two names mentioned wherein they found to be remarkable and those two names belong to you and myself. Marianne, you’re doing much better in your battle than you realize; you’re inflicting pain upon your adversary. For that reason, Satan will try to do you much harm and it is for that reason, Jesus will give his angels charge over your wellbeing.
There were many who believed and followed after Jesus because of the miracles of Christ, but Marianne; the hardest of all were made to believe because of the sufferings of Christ. At the ninth hour while Jesus was hanging on the cross, he cried out with a loud voice, ” ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI. It was that lonely cry that made the centurion declare, “TRULY THIS MAN WAS THE SON OF GOD.”
Be of good cheer Marianne, you can’t lose; I mean you can’t lose; no matter how it looks, you can’t lose! Oh, I am going to try to improve upon my posts; I have the first one posted.
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June 1, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Marianne Lordi
Dear Rev. York, I just want to tell you how much encouragement your words gave me. I am strengthened by them more than you know. As you reminded me of the lonely cry that Christ gave when he died, it is giving me hope for my life. Jesus became the victor in the fight as he looked past his pain to the work he was doing for the Father all for our redemption. It is an example for me to follow in my own pain and discouragement. Thise light and momentary problems are working out a far greater work in me.
I thank you for your support. It is a sign from God to me that he has put people like you in my path. I consider you a true friend. And I am so very happy that you are going to continue your posts!! You just made my day!
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June 3, 2010 at 12:16 am
j.d. stegall
another great blog, Marianne. good comforting the reader with God’s promises to be with us in the mist of the storm. we must always trust in the LORD, with all of our heart and lean not unto our own understanding. thank you for the timely blog.
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June 3, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi j.d! Glad to hear from you again. Trusting in the Lord is not always easy but he has shown himself to never fail us and that I what I hold on to in the battle.
I am still praying for your father and brother and hope that you are doing well in your ministry! God bless you.
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June 10, 2010 at 8:14 am
Cathy
There’s a song that says “the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times” … and it’s so true. Sometimes I wonder why I am going through a trial that causes such intense pain. Then before you know it here comes another one. A trial that seems odd, unusual, and so painful that I say “you can’t make this stuff up if you tried.” I also understand the deep loneliness when few understand what you are going through, and also the pain associated with much of the apostasy and lack of fellowship in today’s modern day “church”. I believe my faith is being tested and the Lord is showing me that He is Lord whether we are in the midst of miracles or whether we experience sufferings and reproach for His namesake. I certainly know it could be much worse, and I appreciate that it is not. Even so pain is pain and the Lord comforts as only He can. Really, what more could we want.
Thanks for the encouraging post Marianne. Be encouraged …
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June 10, 2010 at 10:39 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Cathy, that song that you spoke of is on my ipod and I listen to it frequently! The God of the mountain is still God in the valley! It is something I truly believe. Our problems and struggles do not mean that God is not with us. When we feel the loneliness of a painful trial, it is just the enemy wanting us to believe that our God cannot meet us in the valley!
All that you said is so right on. Your faith is being tested but most importantly, God is using it to take you further up the mountain and closer to his glory. The same is true for me. Although sometimes that seems little consolation while the furnace of affliction is doing its work, we must focus on the fact that anything God allows in the life of a believer has a specific divine purpose and is meant for good.
I can’t see what God is doing with my pain nor can I feel his purpose, I just know by faith and on the truth that Christ died to give me that he will not fail to bring me to victory.
I appreciate your encourgement, Cathy, and I pray that you also stay encouraged when you find yourself in the valley! God bless you, my friend!
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June 27, 2010 at 11:21 am
Larry Who
Bill Britton, in his book, “Prophet on Wheels,” talks about one of his agonizing trials where he was left battered and bruised, and then forced to leave the city, with his tail between his legs.
Brittion said, “Lord, what did You get out of that mess?”
The Lord said to Bill Britton: “I got you.”
For me, this sums up what trials are really intended on doing for us.
So, are you thinking about moving to another city?
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June 27, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Larry, Thanks for stopping by and getting me thinking. I appreciate what you said from the book because it actually hits me right where it needs to. How true it is!
Trials in the life of a believer have the sole purpose of bringing us closer to Christ. They can’t destroy us or defeat us, all they can do is perfect us.
I have decided to move from the city of despair to the city of hope! What do you think?
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June 27, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Larry Who
Sounds like a great idea.
And don’t forget, as the Lord gets you freer and freer in your calling, your daughter will be moved upon for her calling. In fact, if you looked over your shoulder in the Spirit, you would see a whole line of people who will be set free as you move forward.
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June 27, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Marianne Lordi
This sounds like something I really need to pray about. You are probably so right on this one. Thanks Larry. I will keep you updated!
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July 5, 2010 at 9:40 pm
elaine @ peace for the journey
“All battles we fight are fought on holy ground…”
I loved that truthful visual, and I need the reminder right now. So often, I’m tempted to think the battle happens elsewhere… that somehow the struggle has moved me to a “lesser” place, thus forcing the issue of my will, my strength, my wisdom, my power in the matter. If I could just remember that I have a host of heaven’s angels alongside, well, perhaps I wouldn’t stay so bogged down in the seemingly impossible.
Great post; thanks for stopping by today. Blessings and peace to you this week~elaine
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July 5, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you, Elaine, for your comments and encouragement – so glad you stopped by.
You mentioned my statement that all battles we face as a believer are fought on holy ground because God is with us. That has changed my outlook on all the struggles that I face. In fact, before I wrote that, I never thought of the fact that my personal battles are actually being waged on holy ground! It was news to me! And yet I can now see so clearly that since Christ lives in me and his angels surround me, it can be no other way! That also means that I cannot be defeated in my battles no matter how hard they seem. It is the truth that sets me free.
I will be back to your site. I just love the way you get God’s message out with such clear understanding! Bless you my friend!
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July 12, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Jeremy
Have not talked to you for awhile. Just wanted to see how things are going. Have added some new links on our ladies page, see what you think. What do you think about coming down to the true Church Conf. in Feb of 2011. Not sure the exact dates yet. Talk to you soon. Jeremy
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July 12, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Jeremy, I miss talking to you but I want you to know that I keep you and your ministry and family in prayer each night. You do such an awesome job. I may be able to come to that conference in Feb. Send me the details because I would like to try to work it out to come!
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July 17, 2010 at 9:07 am
Zainab
Dear Sister Marianne,
Your messages are ever so comforting and you are truely God’s blessed.
I find comfort in your ecouraging messages every time I’m faced with trials. For that, I would like to show my apreciation!
Lastly, may I ask how I can receive God’s promises because in many cases, my prayers turn out to be invain and I get discouraged. I know that I have no one but God almighty to take me through my tough times but I just don’t know how I can receive from Him.
Also, what is God’s promise to those who seek to be married and how can I receive such a promise as I have been praying for the same for years in vain. Please advise. Thank you and stay blessed.
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July 17, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Marianne Lordi
My sister, Zainab, I am so glad you stopped by. I know you have been troubled by your situation in the past and are growing weary now. I would like you to know that your prayers are NEVER in vain. Though you may get discouraged in the wait, your God has heard your prayer and he is working them out. What you are experiencing is that you want God to do things as you feel right and in your time. My sister, God’s ways are too vast and holy. He is going to give you good things but the timing must be perfect for God does not give you what you are not ready to receive. I know you desire to be married and that is a good desire. Keep praying for the man that God is going to bring into your life. It is not good to be married if you do not wait upon God and his perfect plan for your life. There is nothing more painful than to be in a marriage with someone who is not right for you! It is always better to wait. It is God who designed man and woman to desire each other. He ordained marriage. And he knows who is right for you. Please, do not settle for someone who is not the right one just to be married. You will be making a big mistake. Your prayers are not in vain. God knows your heart, Zainab, and he is more than able to give you the marriage that you desire. While you wait on God, study his word. Pray daily for the man whose heart God is preparing to be with you. And trust that God will not fail you. Tough times are just a testing ground. They will not last forever. Show your faith and trust by waiting upon your God and know that he has a perfect plan for your life. Nothing in your situtation can change that. If you only understood God’s love for you,Zainab, you would never doubt that he will take care of you.
Let me hear from you again soon and stay focused on the truth- not your feelings. God love you, my friend!
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July 18, 2010 at 3:52 am
Zainab
With all my heart, I appreciate your message Marianne and I believe, by the truths it contains, all will be well in Jesus’ name.
Have a blessed sunday and take care!
Zainab
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May 19, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Priti
MarIanne I found your blog tonight in my deep ache. Thank you for your words – they were a soothing balm. Please pray that I can forgive myself for what I have done to bring my life to this despair. Thank you….keep writing 🙂
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May 19, 2011 at 10:09 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Priti, I will be praying for you and I will continue to pray for you each night as I do for all those who request prayer. Whatever is breaking your heart is not going to destroy the future that Christ died to give you. You must forgive yourself. It is the enemy of your soul that is convincing you that you are not worthy of forgiveness! It is a lie from hell. We have already been forgiven when we trust what Jesus did for us at the cross. The broken pieces of your life can be molded and shaped by God as he makes you new. Never give up or despair because you always have hope and God will make a way to restore you.
I will be praying for you each night. I take all of the prayer requests to the throne of grace each night. I know he hears and I draw near to him and intercede for all who are struggling. I will be here for you. Please email me: commish07@zoominternet.net if you want to talk privately. We all have pain and trouble, Priti. Don’t let your problems be bigger than your God. He loves you way too much to let your pain destroy you.
Stay in peace. I will be praying for you!
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June 7, 2011 at 12:58 pm
Pam
Thank you.
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June 7, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Marianne Lordi
God bless you, Pam. I hope you know that God is with you despite the loneliness of any trial.
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May 29, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Mrs. marianna lordi thankz ,thankz a lot thanks ....
yahoo
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