Down In The Hole

If you are one of God's children this title probably will mean something to you. All of us have been down in the hole at one time or another. For some of us we are down in the hole often. I want to describe for you how it operates in my life. The term used by many is " the ups and downs of life". We can be just going along moving through life with our every day things that go on and out of no where we fall in the hole. There seems to be a process that follows for the next few days and weeks of us trying to get out of the hole. We don't like it. It's always some kind of problem or issue we are faced with. As many times that God has brought us out of the hole, we seem to forget it the next time. Our emotions start immediately working us over and all our weaknesses are revealed again. Here's another thing, it seems like the hole is deeper this time than the last. In fact, we can get to the point that we think we aren't going to be able to get out this time.

There is a lot going on during these times that we might overlook. Our Father sends us people to the rescue for us. They come and stand with us and help in all the ways they can. But most of all, they just love us during this time. None of us knows what God is doing in our life during this, but in the end He always reveals it to us. I have said before, it's never fun going through these times, but in the end it's always worth going through. Our God is a great and mighty God. He is perfect in all things. He always knows what He is doing and it's always for our benefit. The growth He provides us during these times is phenomenal. He draws us closer and closer to Him. He develops our ability to have total confidence in who He is. He is perfecting that which He has created. Can we say, praise the Lord. I know it's tough while we are down in the hole, but when we come out, it's a beautiful thing! The Lord gives us great break through during these times. He leads us to trust in Him and know that we can.

There are many stories we can read in the bible where God's people were down in the hole. But in every case, God brings something great out of it. I personally want to thank my sister and brother for being there for me in this time in the hole. Both of you are instruments that God has and is using in my life. Thank you for continuing to encourage me in these times. I believe that God puts us together to help us get through these times. God provided me a break through this afternoon in a very long time in the hole. The excitement of it all causes me to thank Him and praise Him for all that He has done during this time. As I said earlier, the lessons God teaches us are not always enjoyable to go through, but they are always worth it!

When we find ourselves down in the hole, and there are all kinds of reasons we are in there, get as close as you can to those people that are close to God. Have them lift you up in prayer continually. He hears every word uttered. You might be so consumed with the hole that you can't find the words to pray, but those around you aren't in the hole and they can. The Holy Spirit will use those people to pray for you and victory will come forth. There is power in prayer. Whether we understand the magnitude of that or not, in those times find as many to pray for you as you can, it makes a difference. And remember this, God is always on the job watching out for us. He is bigger than any problem we face and He knows how to overcome it, and He will. Run from those who try to lead you astray, ex specially the master of it all, Satan. He is continually trying to fill our minds with his lies and deception. Don't listen! Stand firm in His word even if it doesn't look like it is going to come through, IT IS!! God always wins. He never loses. We are His children and He takes great pleasure in showing us how great He is. He wants us to know we can count on Him.

Holy Spirit continue to keep our eyes open to those around us who are in the hole and press upon us to pray the words you want us to pray. Lead us to rally together and around them in their time of need. Let us be encourager's to them in all things. Lead us not to give advice but to help assist them in trusting in the Lord. We don't know what the Father is doing, but we know He is perfect in all He does. Teach us to ride it out with them and in the end shouting praises to our great God for the victories He brings. There is great days in store for us all ahead. As God teaches us it just gets better and better. And brings us closer and closer to Him. I know this has been more of a personal testimony than any thing else, but I felt lead to say it.

Praise the Lord always,

Stan