I believe Jesus cares so much for us to try to protect us and guide us even when we don’t realize He is doing this! I have seen this happen with people whom God is calling before those people have actually even made a decision to believe and trust in Him. It has happened to me!
Here’s what one of my favorite Bible characters, Paul, says about this subject in Ephesians 3: 14-20, “My response (Paul’s response to trouble or trials) is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you (he was talking about the Ephesians here) by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything; you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
AND, Romans 5:1-5 has some great things to say. (This was also written by Paul but this time to the Roman people) “By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” (this is both The Message and NIV combined)
I love these verses (I love most of the book of Romans even though it takes me a long time to comprehend everything in it! It’s chock full!) because they remind me that God is present within me. He has given me an unexplainable peace, a strength that is not by my efforts, gentle encouragement, perseverance, character, and hope. Because of that, I trust Him. I see how He has prepared me to be in this situation through several experiences leading up to my diagnosis. I’m thankful He went before me, that His spirit dwells within me now, and that He has already gone before me doing far more than I can even imagine.
January 5, 2016 at 9:08 PM
Thank you.
Just thank you.
January 6, 2016 at 8:12 PM
You’re welcome! 😉
January 5, 2016 at 9:19 PM
Thank you for sharing. All of it. Your journey, the verses, your faith. It is encouraging me at very dark time in my own right now. My prayers will be with you know that I am aware of your journey.
January 6, 2016 at 8:12 PM
That’s what is all about! We’ll add you to the prayer list, April
January 5, 2016 at 10:06 PM
Beautifully written dear friend. I’m so thankful for this awesome way that you can encourage and share Gods truths in your own words. I just love you dog gone it.
January 5, 2016 at 10:16 PM
Words cannot express The Spirit felt in reading your post!! God surely and truly leads each of us to the encouragement we know we cannot find on our own! Although I do not know you or your journey, know there’s more people out there praying for you and your family. (from posts from my church women’s FB group.) Prayers!!
January 5, 2016 at 10:19 PM
Lori Jones!! God is doing great things through you and through this site. Your courageous and you inspire people! Keep writing, keep sharing!! Love you!
January 5, 2016 at 10:27 PM
Lori I LOVE the new website and look forward to reading your “thoughts”:). I am blown away by your transparency and feel that it is such a gift to so many. Thank you for being so willing to let the Lord speak through you during this journey. We are continuing to pray for you and your beautiful family.
January 6, 2016 at 6:34 AM
Amazing post! God is so incredible and faithful, and He is using you mightily, Lori! Thank you for your honesty and openness…your willingness in this has encouraged and challenged me and so many others. I’m excited to share this page as I am confident the Lord will continue to touch lives through you, Mark, and your precious family! We pray for you every day, my friend! Lots of love!
January 6, 2016 at 8:11 AM
Before I opened your website this morning I was upholding you before the Lord in prayer. I could see Jesus, placing His hand right on your chest and the Holy Spirit led me to pray the Ephesians 3 prayer for you–asking God to strengthen you by His Spirit in your inner being! So, it made me smile to open up the blog this morning and see the Lord had led you to write about Ephesians 3 as well. The Lord is surrounding you and is speaking to you and through you! Grateful to intercede for your family!
January 6, 2016 at 1:39 PM
This is SUPER cool 🙂
January 6, 2016 at 6:40 PM
Yes!
January 6, 2016 at 8:28 AM
Beautiful said and such wonderful truths!
January 7, 2016 at 11:59 AM
Amen. Your voice is that of a thousand angels. In the depths of your soul you are aware of the great works and words your trial is providing as a beacon for those in doubt of their own personal journeys. Thank you for your words of wisdom and guidance. God continue to bless you with the fruit of his spirit.
January 8, 2016 at 3:59 AM
I really needed to hear this today of all days, (dealing with my mom who is 91 and still lives in her home). Yesterday was really tough. Her driving and hearing aid issues.
January 8, 2016 at 4:02 AM
But God has given me incredible peace at times. Where you want to just ask, “What is going on?”
January 8, 2016 at 8:03 AM
Lori was up at 4 am too. A night of ups and downs. Keep on keepin on!
January 10, 2016 at 8:59 PM
You’re amazing. Truly a bright light. Keep shining. XO
January 14, 2016 at 10:17 PM
I feel your hope and strength through your words dear Lori.
May you draw even closer to Him who is your strength.
Love you Lori.
January 22, 2016 at 1:20 PM
Powerful scriptures.