Faith Renewed

Monday, April 3, 2006
I know that God is in control, that He has good plans for all of us, that He's faithful to His promises and knows what's in our hearts. Unfortunately, I didn't feel quite hopeful about anything last Friday morning. I was happy, sad and agitated... all at the same time. Happy because I've got friends like you who patiently listens to my ramblings. Sad because this grief-stricken feeling and the pain... they're nothing but real. And agitated because I hated what I've felt!

I had a talk with Pastor Sonny last Saturday after the dedication rites of my friend's daughter. He prayed for us, quoted some scriptures and told us not to give in to the lies of the enemy. "We can't control the thoughts that goes in and out of our minds but we can control what thoughts we will entertain," he said.

You think I didn't know that? Well, of course I do! It's just that sometimes I get so drained with negativity that I start to believe the enemy's lies and my hope begins to deteriorate.

Thank you for your prayers and for always being there for me. I needed to let off steam and I'm sorry for ranting. Now my faith is renewed. If there's a very important reminder I got from this experience, it's that our mind is the battlefield. It's the enemy's job to confuse, to trick and to mislead us. But that's all he can do. The truth has already been said and they're all written in the Bible. We have to stand firm on that truth and keep our faith burning by constantly reminding ourselves of God's promises.

Easier said than done? Maybe... but it's worth trying, don't you think?



28 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful you're renewed. You remain in our heart and prayers. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful you are better now:-)
There is no need to apologize, I know how difficult the battle is to constantly count your blessings and look at the positive while you feelings are negative. But yes, it's all worth it to focus on God and have faith:-)

God's Grace.

Anonymous said...

Glad you're feeling hopeful once again!

Anonymous said...

Saying a prayer for renewed faith. You'll be fine!

I think we all go through fighting the enemy of our thoughts, so you are not alone. Always here for you when you need to talk!

Anonymous said...

Stand firm! Love you, sis.

Anonymous said...

Dear Pia, Praise the Lord that we can have victory in Christ. Yes our mind is the battlefield, but the Lord has already won that battle for us, all we need to do is to stand firm in HIM.

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to hear your faith is now renewed. Praise God He has given us the Holy Spirit to comfort. I will continue to pray for you Pia.

Anonymous said...

Dear PIA,

I can understand how you feel as I am going through this process at the moment.

Every Battle belongs to the Lord & all we have to do is to claim our victory.

The Devil comes to kill, steal & destroy, yet all these are just deceptions.

It is not easy...yet we have Christ in Us, the hope of Glory & Eternal life !

Anonymous said...

Absolutely worth trying.

Anonymous said...

I agree, and that's why it is so important for us as believers to stay in His word on a regular basis.

Remember Pia, God is refining you through this trial. One day you will look back and see how He brought you through - victorious!

Anonymous said...

Ah,my sweet friend, Pia. Yes, the enemy tries his best to wear us down in our minds and emotions. You were so right to acknowledge the battle of the mind, though. The Lord will strengthen you even more as you put your trust in Him, renouncing anything that doesn't line up with truth, 'cause you already know the truth. {{hugs}}

Your pastor sounds wise and encouraging. I'll keep you in my prayers, little sister.

hugs,
Vicki

PS--Oh! I've posted something new called Breaking Free at the new e-zine called Christian Women Online:

http://www.christianwomenonline.net/victoriagaines.html

Blessings & prayers!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Pia, I know what that feels like! I'm so delighted you have been refreshed in Him. You are so sweet, Pia, and so precious in His sight!

Anonymous said...

Wow, I just posted about Hebrews 3 on my Bible study blog...talking about standing fast and not hardening your heart...you are making it through Pia! You are fighting the good fight! I love you and will be praying for/with you my friend.

Anonymous said...

KC: thank you and you were one of those who helped me through with it. =)

corry: i thank God for you. for being there for me... always. =)

kristi: it's like a rollercoaster ride. =)

dawn: thank you. that's so sweet. i appreciate it very much. =)

seeker: luv yay too! =)

kitty: yup. and no matter how hard it can be sometimes, i have to remind myself that constantly. =)

gina: thank you, gina. you're such a blessing. =)

godwyn: i pray that you'll also be comforted in this time of your life. remember that i'm here for you. =)

joe: yup. yup. =)

shenna: i can't wait for that day to come. =)

vicki: thank you for your prayers. you've encouraged me a great deal more than you know. =)

gina b: i couldn't have done that without the help of my blogger friends. and i'm truly grateful.

MC: luv yah too, sis. =)

Anonymous said...

We love you very much, Pia.
We'll always be here with you and for you.

Take care, lieve zus :)
Focus on our good Lord.

"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
1 John 4:4

Anonymous said...

There is no need to apologize, Pia. As sisters (and brothers) in Christ, we are called to strengthen each other and uphold each other in the faith. Anytime you need to "rant", we are here to listen.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
~1 John 4:7-8

Anonymous said...

audrey: i'm so happy to see you here again. luv yah too zus. (((HUGS)))

tidy: thank you so much. (((HUGS)))

Anonymous said...

Pia, I like your 'banner' - "As for me and my blog, we will serve the LORD!" Good on you.

Anonymous said...

That is so cute! "As for me and my blog..."

I often hope that my blog is making a difference for eternity.

Love it!

Anonymous said...

I am so glad your faith was renewed. Your constant friendship and love has renewed my faith and pushed me to keep on keeping on. It's so hard because it's our flesh that wants to be in control instead of letting God be in charge. Love and hugs to you. You are so pretty! It was neat to see the photos you posted.

Love ya,

Anonymous said...

kitty: thanks! you can get oe at CWO. go check it out. =)

shenna: you are making a difference. all of us are. =)

paula: glad you liked them. even if i struggle doing something that God wants me to do, in my heart i know that it's worth everything i'm going through now. we just have to keep on keeping on and let God lead. =)

Anonymous said...

What a confirmation. I was reading past a post where I had said just that.

"The mind IS the battlefield. God's Word says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. It's a worldly mind set that brings death. There is a way (a worldly mind set) that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death."

Concerning Lies...
"Conviction is from the Spirit and leads us to repentance. Condemnation is from the enemy and leads us away from God. Jesus, Himself, said He came to save the world not to condemn it."

Thank you, Pia.

You're right. The Truth has already been said and now we have to stand firm on that truth. We don't fight the enemy head on in our own strength but rather in choosing and STANDING (verse 14) in truth, fighting with spiritual weapons. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

You shared,
"...constantly reminding ourselves of God's promises."

Most definitely worth it. Your posts reminds me of a song..."Standing on the Promises". http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/sotpogod.htm

Anonymous said...

sparrow: i used to sing that a lot in school. yeah, in fact i'm humming it now. =)

Anonymous said...

(((Pia)))

Anonymous said...

There is a really wonderful book I read that advocates that very thing. It's called "Victory Over the Darkness" by Neil T. Andersen. I hope it helps! God bless you...

Anonymous said...

I understand how you feel...I certainly have my days too! That's good to remember and I hadn't thought about it myself, but I will from now on "we can control what thoughts we will entertain." Excellent!

In His Love,
Annette

P.S. Found you through CWO

Anonymous said...

I trust you've had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

Anonymous said...

lorna: (((HUGS)))

nanz: i haven't read that yet but i will. thanks. =)

annette: thanks for the visit. see you again soon. =) God bless. =)

joe: happy easter to you too. =)

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