Sunday, January 5, 2014

Tony Evans: God is Working in the Spiritual Realm.





The Holidays and Missing My Mom

Since November 2008, the holidays have never been the same. I lost my mom and I think about her all of the time.....especially during Christmas. I have a 3 year old that never met her and an almost 8 year old that only has a vague memory. 

My family that lives out of town invited me and my family to their New Year's Eve celebration. My hubby decided to stay home with our children so I made the drive out of town by myself. Once the party started, I found myself becoming really sad. I started thinking of my mom and how much I really miss her. We really do take for granted those we love. Now, she is gone and she will never know how much I loved her. 

On New Years Day, I was driving home and turned on the radio. I was changing the radio stations and came across a man preaching. I decided to listen to what he had to say. I ended up finding out it was Tony Evans. I've heard of him but really had never heard him preach. This is what he said: "When an earthquake shakes things up, it can cause death and destruction. When God shakes things up, it’s often the first step toward deliverance, healing and restoration." He was preaching about thanking God when one is in "the storm." We only see the physical realm but God is working in the spiritual realm. 

Its been a tough few years, but I can not wait to see how the Lord is going to use my tribulations to bring Him GLORY. Jesus knew that I needed to hear this sermon. Click on this link to hear Tony Evans' message. Tony Evans 2014

This is what the Bible says about suffering. 

Romans 5:3-5, 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 34:17-20 ESV / When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV / For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Revelation 21:4 ESV He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

12 comments:

  1. This is all so true. I have experienced it, lived it, applied the truths and sen His glory shine through my weakness to impact myself and others! PTL! Will keep you in thought and prayers.

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  2. Mary,
    Thank you for writing this. All of these scriptures are near and dear to me, especially since I lost my own mother in April 2010. I understand your pain and sadness, I feel your broken heart. I needed this reminder to pour out my sorrows to my Lord and we will comfort me. It's so easy to forget when the grief takes hold in my heart. Be blessed.

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  3. I just started a Tony Evans Bible study with some women at my church and it has really been interesting. He has quite a way of making sense of things. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. take care. i know times can be tough.

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  5. So Sorry For The Loss Of Your Mom I Just Lost My Dad In August & I Miss Him Soooooo Much So I Know The Feeling, Beautiful Scriptures, Thank You For Sharing!!

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  6. I can understand....I lost my mother New Year's Eve, 2010..and each year I miss her more!

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  7. I'm so sorry for your loss and I can only imagine how hard the holidays (and everyday) is for you!

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  8. Loosing loved ones is hard. But remember that the sorrow is for us, they are now filled with joy.
    And it is very true that God is in the storm. Like C. S. Lewis says, God shouts in pain.

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