By Tonia Shroyer – Senior Pastor
Life has many components — from our spiritual health to emotional and physical health. I have found that it’s important to keep the flow of the Holy Spirit in our life moving and not allow it to be blocked or impeded by things we are going through.
There are definitely stones in the brook that make it sing, and then there are boulders that seem impassible. My walk with the Lord went to a deeper level when I realized that He needed to address things with me beyond encouragement and feel-good statements.
Life has an ebb and flow, and where we set our mind will direct how our life is impacted.
I have recently undergone a partial right knee replacement. I was ministered to many times throughout the past 10 years for the knee difficulties, but it was very clear when I heard, “It is time to get this done. It will be a little rough, but you will be OK.”
I have heard it in the past regarding other situations, and I don’t know about you, but I don’t like surprises, unless it’s a gift in the form of a wrapped package!
Discomfort on Purpose
That kind of direction isn’t always what I want to hear, but I know I’ve grown, because I’m not losing sleep over why I wasn’t healed or what I may’ve missed. God knows our frame and the temperature of our faith.
He also told me, “There’s going to be some crying.” I knew he meant during my recovery and therapy. As I was processing that, Pastor Carol Furman called and said, “I need to talk to you about what to expect with therapy.”
I’m so thankful that she called, because what she shared was the opposite of what and how I’d been trained as a nurse, since it would involve “discomfort on purpose.” The Lord is faithful to provide if we are listening.
When we make a mistake or disregard Godly communication, we say, “Lord, I missed it. Thank you for your forgiveness. Now what do I need to do?”
Between the Father and our Lord Jesus, I know they have me in their hands and are working all things for good like it says in Romans.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV
I thought I would share some things that have helped me this past year to keep the flow of the Holy Spirit moving in my life, even when I felt down and out.
It seemed like I would overcome emotional attacks only to be faced with physical ones, like not being able to walk well, or spiritual ones, like receiving news about the struggles or tragedies that many of you were facing.
“For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely and forever]; and You are abundant in mercy and lovingkindness to all those who call upon You.” Psalms 86:5 AMP
Honesty is Essential
Be honest with our Father God, and let Him know what is piling up on you. I bring it before the Lord Jesus too, because he has been through the worst of the worst.
With them there is never rejection — only love and kindness.
Jesus understands. When he faced crucifixion, he asked the Father if there might be another way.
Jesus kept his relationship flowing with the Father, even though the way was set. He didn’t ignore what was ahead or wait for a miracle to deliver him out of it.
He chose to walk in faith, trusting that his Father had him covered. And his decisive “Yes!” changed the course of history for everyone, even for us 2,000 years later.
When I go into the throne room in my heart and mind, I know I’m in the presence of God and his Son, along with the holy angels that are being sent out on our behalf as fellow laborers.
When someone really loves you well, there will be times when you “need a talking to,” especially if you trust them and want their help in times of trouble. Parents, friends, and important people in your life should tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
Are we also willing to receive truth from the Father, the Lord Jesus, and the angels, even if it may not be what we would prefer to hear?
“Let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Keys to Keep in the Flow
- Forgiveness toward others and ourselves is easy to stay on top of when we run it through our hearts.
We get it off our chest verbally and out in the atmosphere. It opens the door to receive it easier when we voice it out loud.
- Unworthiness can also creep into our thoughts. It leads to unbelief and doubt in areas that we have worked to be strong in.
That’s why we talk a lot about “looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
“And David was greatly distressed… But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 ESV
- Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Part of listening is being still and quiet. Listen to what you hear. It will often sound like you talking to you.
When you step out on something genuine, you will realize its origin was from God’s kingdom, and you will build trust and experience in walking by the Spirit.
- Psalms is good for comfort if we’re distressed or oppressed.
Sing it, confess it, write it down and live it out!
The more we can visualize ourselves in the Scriptures, the closer we are to the answers we need.
What is your favorite Psalm or section of verse for when you’re working through a situation? Share it with us by emailing sarah@cffm.org.
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