One Day At A Time ...

I have been doing my best to walk in the Spirit this week as talked about in my last post. Last night, after a busy day, I chose to walk the dog instead of sit on the sofa. I have tried not to speak negatively, including swearing (I've always found it ironic that so many Christians seem to be able to instantaneously stop swearing when they get saved, but not me, I have to be different and for me it has been a problem), not always with great success. I have tried to follow the promptings of the Spirit. But perhaps most importantly, I have been trying to take things one day at a time.

The Bible talks a lot about not worrying, and even about taking a day at a time (see Matthew 6: 25 - 34). However I find that I often seem to take a leap forward whenever God gives me some sort of revelation - like an epiphany. This week God reminded me of another journey we'd been on together, and it really helped:

Many years ago I used to suffer from depression. It varied in its levels, but I used to feel that I was living under dark cloud most of the time. I would have an occasional brilliant day, and it would be just like the sun coming out from behind the clouds, and I would think 'At last! I am free!'. Then the clouds would come in again and life went back to 'normal' and depression.

For me the breakthrough came after I'd had my fourth, and last, child. Six pregnancies over the years had sent my already fragile hormones spiralling and had amplified everything. But I got to a point where I simply could not go on like it any longer. I prayed about what to do, and God directed me to speak to the Pastor at my church. He came round with his wife and they prayed for me. He had prayed beforehand too and both times he felt God reveal the source of the problem - in this case it was the abuse I had suffered.

God confirmed this to me during the week that followed (so many healings do take time, so be patient!), with an audible voice (a voice speaking out something significant about the abuse, confirming something the Pastor had said) and impressions. Although God only dealt with some of what had gone on in my childhood, it was sufficient to pave the way to freedom from depression.

It took quite a while to get free, probably a year or more, but it was a steady uphill climb to freedom. It took gumption and determination - I had to choose to trust and believe God on even the darkest of days, which when you're depressed is very difficult (actually when you're depressed, anything is really difficult!). But over time He set me free.

There are still occasions when the devil would seek to put it back on me again - to literally depress (to squash, push, confine, stamp on) me. But I know now that if I stand my ground, stand on God's word and His promises, he will retreat.

This week God has reminded me of this battle fought long ago, and I have felt Him impress upon me that this battle for physical health is no different. It sounds so simple, yet it is so profound - because I can look back upon that old battle and be reminded that although there may be bad days, it does not mean that the sickness is here to stay, but it is simply a tough day and it will pass. In essence, it has taken away much of the fear I had felt. I already feel so much better.

I know I have so many battles ahead of me, and I'm sure you face many too. But God has reminded me of the battles already fought and won, and assured me that this present battle and the ones ahead are no different. It takes grit, determination and getting up when all you want to do is sit down. It can be very difficult and at times takes everything you have. But it will be worth it. And :

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1: 12

It is worth looking through the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 too. At the end of each letter to the church there is a statement about what overcomers will receive. Believe me, it will be worth the fight!

Be blessed! More soon ..... : )