Crushed but not Destroyed – 2MefromHim Devotional
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8,9
2MefromHim Devotional
Crushed
Crushed but not destroyed by a long night reflecting on recent events, I guided my car through the dense fog. Poor visibility turned vehicles to ghosts as crosswinds buffeted me on the wet pavement. I was alert to every shadowed vehicle, behind and before, aware of how fast life changes forever, as events of months past destroyed much of life as I knew it.
My back ached from a frenzy designed to distract me from a season different from any Christmas of my life. No longer filled with illusions of perfection, I enter the New Year convinced the worst is past. Shoots of new growth stir in the cocoon of my bruised and battered heart.
Not in Despair
Much as the fog lessened as I neared my destination, I felt the stir of new wings longing to flutter free of captivity. I am changed. Hints of freedom and strength signaled release from the confines of my cocoon, the mere potential of new life held captive within. Soon, new wings will allow me to soar high and free.
Not Destroyed
Recent trials banished remnants of childish misconceptions. What age failed to accomplish, loss and harsh reality achieved. Through it all, God carried me between His shoulders, as a father bears his weary child. Though weariness of mind and body often rendered me oblivious to His undergirding strength, Jesus bore me onward, nonetheless.
Lifelong assumptions may litter the dark and rocky path behind, but new awareness of God’s faithfulness and unyielding strength brighten the path ahead. In the words of the beautiful old hymn, “I am His and He is mine.” I begin again to know the perfect peace of a life hid in Christ, after months bound in a dark cocoon and veiled in frozen fog.
Changed
When earthly stability foundered, God stood firm and unshakeable until I awakened to recognize whose shoulders bore my weight. With footsteps steady and sure, my Lord never loosened His hold. He carried me when all I assumed unshakeable fell away, and awakened me gently to the knowledge that I survived intact, changed, and beautiful.
Through the unexpected twists and turns of life, I stand, changed, but certain the being who emerges from this cocoon is more complete than what I was before. Though crushed, I am not destroyed.
© Copyright, Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, January 17, 2020
Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 43 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
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Navigating Trying Times with Peace – 2MefromHim
2MefromHim Devotional
Navigating Trying Times with Peace
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33 AMP
Trying Times
Navigating trying times with peace—perfect peace, a fruit of the Spirit, and my word for the year. How I wish I had meditated on the Amplified Version’s translation of John 16:33 throughout the last two years. How I wish I had clung to words like “perfect peace,” “courageous,” “confident,” “undaunted,” “filled with joy,” rather allowing the enemies of “fear,” and “uncertainty,” to make me a “victim.” During my absence from this blog, life took on the dark colors of strife, struggle, and constant strain.
The New Year
My goal for the New Year and the new decade is to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in my heart despite navigating complicated outward circumstances. No more will I allow myself to be made a victim of strife inflicted by the words and actions of others, by wrong thinking, and difficult trials.
My goal for the New Year and the new decade is to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in my heart despite navigating complicated outward circumstances. Share on XGod will guard my heart and mind, no matter the discord I face, and that peace is not of this world but from the Father. “Abiding victory” is mine because the Lion of Judah is my protector, my sword, and my shield.
Because God wants me to live at peace with those around me, I ended the old year forgiving and seeking forgiveness. I have no indication of the outcome, but I acted in obedience, became vulnerable, and stepped out in faith. The Lord will honor my obedience in due time because He is faithful.
People who should be close have moved to the fringes of my life. Things I once took for granted exist no more. I refuse to accept the new normal as final. But one thing I know. God was with me even when I failed to rely on Him as I should. I failed to claim the peace that is mine as a child of God, but He never left me alone.
I failed to claim the peace that is mine as a child of God, but He never left me alone. Share on XPeace
I move into the New Year and new decade with head held high. I will overcome in trying times because my Lord knew these things would happen and how I would respond. He carried me every step of the way. And He leads me into the unknown future with the promise of peace if I keep my eyes on Him.
We live in troubled times, and our world is infected with the disease of self-centeredness and entitlement. Because everyone looks out for themselves, Christians as well as non-Christians, evil stalks us, often in the guise of fellow Christians.
Because everyone looks out for themselves...evil stalks us, often in the guise of fellow Christians. Share on X
God offers help for everyday trials, as well as earth-shaking disasters. He gives strength to walk against the tide of this troubled world. To those who are weary and heavy-laden, Jesus says to come and find rest for the soul. He offers assurance for the unknown trials ahead.
And in that, there is not only peace but hope.
God offers help for everyday trials, as well as earth-shaking disasters. Share on X
Norma Gail is the author of Land of My Dreams, winner of the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. The sequel, Within Golden Bands, will release in 2020. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
A Tribute to My Mother – 2MefromHim
A Tribute to My Mother is the short piece I will be speaking at her funeral. It’s not only one of my greatest blessings, but proves that we never know who is watching and listening. I’ll be taking a brief break from my blog due to the death of my mother. I hope to return soon.
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Wait my time is a phrase God has spoken to me often in recent months. Times of trial often cause us to act out of fear and frustration. We long to resolve conflicts, but God will do far more than we can imagine if we only wait on his time and his way. I would love to hear your thoughts!
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