Wade wrote:When one works strange's shifts, long hours, tries to fix up an old house, has broken down vehicles, cares for a large family, scoops squirrels out of the well..., has to counteract ideas the children are learning at church, budget isn't happening, lacks sleep, and etc. physically the body starts to be run down...
People are starting to ask where my vibrancy went...
I'm tired...
Father I ask you to remind Wade and his dear wife of this in your Holy Scriptures - Galatians 6:9:
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9A
nd let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Wade it will feel at times as though satan has been given permission to sift you as wheat-
This is for your growth, and God allows these trials as you seek to be conformed to Him-and raise your children in that hope and determination as well.
It's hard when you seem to be feeling like you're going it alone because you are not really in the supportive Church family that you longed for and feel like you are settling-
I really can relate to how you're feeling for there were so many years I was a single parent & had to be both mom & try to cover missing 'dad' as well- for 2 little ones and then work full time, & then had to work another part time job to support them, then school work to help with, get them to church 2x a week, try to teach them while others were undermining the Christian faith I was trying to raise them with, etc- I remember feeling like 'how much longer can I do this Lord?!?!" He will give you strength for 'the day'. This I know. I also know that the passage above is true- so hang on and keep persevering and praying your way through all the difficulties, and make sure to thank Him for the blessings, and the trials He gets you through. You're children are learning more than you realize, and more will sink in than you realize now. What they 'hear' opens the doors for opportunities to teach so be patient, maybe what YOU share, they will share-
Those that don't understand or have not lived with extremely difficult life challenges (but most people do at some time or another) will sometimes not get how downtrodden one can feel at times- especially if not surrounded by a Christian family who is supportive or a strong Christian community (likeminded) that comes along side you-
But God sees your situation and He is carrying you even if you don't feel it at times- you are familiar with "Footprints"? It just popped in my mind- sorry for my feeble attempt at comfort but I do understand and will pray-
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."