Encouragement Prevails

Is it worth it, If just one person sees? Is it worth it, If it was just for me? I may never see All that it can be. I may never hear what it did and fear. In the end obedient I must stay, Relying on Him each and every day. He has a plan beyond what I can see. His great plan is so much bigger than me. Yes, it was just three, But three is divine. Even if it’s just one, There’s a victory won. It’s not all about me. It’s all for His glory. There’s no need to worry. Cause it’s not up to me.

Dear No One, You have been so close to me all my life. You were thankful for my jokes. You enjoyed my weird stories. My goofiness brought you such joy. I could easily be myself with you. You stood up for me and protected me. You were a safe place to go. I could seek you for comfort. You saw me when I felt invisible and was debating on ending things. You were encouraging, even in the little things. You would pull me in and include me. You were such a good friend that I could rely on. But now there’s Someone. Even in the midst of our friendship, He was pursuing me. In those moments of despair and complete darkness, He was there. He encourages me and lifts me up. He never leaves my side. He celebrates all of the little things that I do. I don’t know where I'd be without Him and I really don’t want to even think about it. And finally, I’m starting to see, that maybe He’s not the only one. He has brought others who are there for me now too. He has brought encouragers and listeners....

“Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬ Do you ever feel the roaring thoughts of condemnation pour in? “Who do you think you are?” “That was stupid.” "They don’t like you.” “They canceled on purpose.” “They’re talking about you.” “You’re failing.” “You’re too much.” “Try harder.” “It’s all your fault.” Victim thoughts separating you from your relationships? “They just think I’m their slave.” “You didn’t even notice what I did for you did you?” “I never get to do anything for me.” “They don’t even see I’m struggling.” “They ruined my plans.” “Don’t they see I’m doing something important?” Or maybe it’s not thoughts, just a feeling of darkness and gloom, unidentifiable, dark, and seemingly endless. There’s an important word in that verse: LIKE. Our enemy tries to be a lion and can act the part well, causing us to be filled with fear. Nonetheless, it’s just an act. ...

I’m afraid I’m terrified There’s something there There’s something looming “No matter what you do They’ll find out that something Isn’t good enough in you” The taunting The truthful lies Always masked And disguised As my own thoughts A dear old friend Well I don’t want you coming back again You don’t belong here anymore Sin isn’t the end like it was before My “not good enough” doesn’t have the final say He makes me good enough every day I must believe the tides are changing That my prison walls are shaking May I live in freedom at last No longer looking at the past Thank You, Lord, for making me new I’m so much more when I’m with You -Sierra Nellenbach