Not the End of the Story....

Recently, I took on the challenge of writing out and designing a Bible study that explores what scripture says about different mental health issues. In hindsight, I should have prepared my heart a bit more before taking on such a task... because WOAH! The enemy has been all over that... all over me.

Scripture tells us that the enemy seeks to kill, steal, and destroy us (John 10:10) and devour us like a lion (1 Peter 5:8). Due to this, we are reminded over and over again to be alert, to stand firm, to resist the evil one, and to put on the armor of God so that we may withstand his schemes. Yet, in all honesty, I know I have failed to just that.

I could make a million excuses, but the reality is this... I've been distracted, worried, stressed, and in so, I've allowed the enemy to feed me his lies... which has only added to my distractions, worry, stress, and the creation of more lies that I've fell victim to.

And here's the thing, it has brought me into a season where I am completely struggling. I can fake a smile and I can put on a facade to get through each day, but when I get alone with God, I let all the filters go and I beg Him through the tears that have been bottled up inside for the peace I know only He provides.

Then... I reach out my hands for His Word and I begin to read about those that had their own struggles. Those that ripped their clothes, fell on their faces, and begged God for the peace only He can provide through their own tears.

Mental health isn't new. Nothing is new under the sun, right? And so the same writer that tells us that also tells us there is a time for everything. In which I believe, we should learn to be real in whatever season we are in.

And so while my mental health remains under attack and I fight on my knees, I share with you today that I simply cannot throw in the towel and forfeit this fight.

You see, yes, the enemy does in fact prowl around... on the hunt for someone to devour. I can attest. But that's NOT the end of the story.

There is more...

"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:9)

There is a group of girls that God has positioned me in front of that are going to face the same schemes from that little punk, the devil. He is going to come for them. He is going to cause them worries and stress. He is going to scream lies into their hearts and minds....

So I can't give up... I won't give up. On the hardest of days, I will stand firm. Goodness, not by my own strength, but by my God's strength within me.

Because again, that's NOT the end of the story.

There is even more...

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10)

My God is a promise keeper. So, I know these words of His are true.

Right now, I may be struggling and barely hanging on, but He, Himself is coming...

I don't have to hang on by my own strength. I don't have to trust in my own flesh. I don't even have to trust in my friends or family's strength.... I simply have to wait on God.

So... I don't know what brought you to this post. I'm not even sure why you read this long, but I do know this - whatever brokenness, sufferings, struggle bus you have found yourself in, rest assured that the story isn't over. Hang on.

Your willingness to stand firm may be exactly what someone else needs to encourage them not to give up... and while you wait in the pain, trust that His Words are true.

He will be there for you!