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 Life just feels like a whirlwind when I think of all that has happened over the course of last year and this year so far. This February marked one year since my husband Scott started to show symptoms of a condition called Labyrinthitis (Vertigo). Doctors are still scratching their heads as to what caused it.
Speculation ranges from the possibility of a virus or something else such as stress. It was only a month before this condition hit him that I had a terrible fall on the ice that bruised my insides from head to toe. The pain in my body leveled off but never completely left until a friend came over and prayed with us. We did a “spiritual housecleaning” because only a few nights before I began to see a gray misty cloud that appeared in our bedroom and also had a dream of a very evil old woman trying to suffocate me-- yeah I know, weird huh? After the “spiritual housecleaning,” the pain in my body immediately left; however, Scott is still struggling with symptoms of his condition. His loss of work and need for rest caused a great financial loss last year and put a “hold” on most ministry engagements. I only began to accept ministry bookings again in July 2007. Since his symptoms have leveled off, yet are not completely gone, ministry is beginning to move ahead again.
Just as we are beginning to get a handle on some of the debt that incurred due to the loss of income last year, on April 4th this year our youngest son Kyle had a car accident in which he was not at fault. Our only car was reduced to an accordian, but he walked away from the accident, just suffering from sore muscles for a week or so after the accident. His escape from this accident was the hand of God, but now our only car was gone. Since our financial situation and debt ratio was too high, there was no way the bank would top up the insurance money for another car. God has provided a wonderful arrangement for a car and we still have quite a bit of debt to straighten out that is way over and above "the norm," but we have seen God's provision everyday.
It's this kind of strife and debt that the enemy wants to use to hold back a ministry and it clearly causes a riff in your clarity of thought even for a short time. It's definitely time to step up to a new level and a new place in victory, with the finish line still in sight.
So what makes us strong to break through the battle?
Here are some important keys to remember when times like this hit:
Stay in The Word.
Use scripture that applies to your situation that will help to strengthen your spirit and remind you of God's promises- write it out, speak it out, memorize it, and use it in your prayer time.
Take time to fellowship with God in a quiet time each day.
Be sure to spend time listening to God speak to your heart so that you find His rest and peace.
Give Him praise even in your situation.
Don't grumble or complain to Him or anyone else.
Let your words stay focused on God's goodness and His Word.
Be steadfast and sure, trusting Him that “All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose and calling” (paraphrased Romans 8:28).
Do your part to get through with God's leading and He will take care of the rest.
Don't worry. By worrying, you show God an anxious heart. Instead, confess your worry to Him and then leave it in His hands. Then realize that He is God and He is bigger than your situation and so trusting Him is the answer to your situation.
Make sure you take measures to rejuvinate your physical and emotional well being. Pamper yourself and take time for yourself.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (New International Version).
I am available for to both speak and sing at events, especially in Ontario, Canada, in the months to come; I seem to have a real knack for connecting with and inspiring women and general audiences with a message of victory.
For more info or to connect with me, please visit my site: www.lauriemarksvincent.com. |
