difficulties.

yesterday in the bible study i lead on the book 'captivating' we were wrapping up the entire book and just talking about things we've learned about God and about the way He created women. we came to the final conclusion that we will be exactly who we are supposed to be, without being held back by our insecurities and fears, when we are truly abiding in Christ. our joy will be concrete, no matter what happens to us or who leaves/enters our own lives. Christ is always steadfast, His love always near. but then why do we sometimes feel so lonely? is it because Christ has turned from us, no i don't think that is it. we have wandered out from under His wing. the very place we indeed feel burdens and sufferings of the world, but the comfort of the Lord is greater. He has overcome the world and all that is in it. Abide in Him. Abide in Him. Abide in Him. abiding in Him will always be the answer. it doesn't mean people won't hurt us or bad things won't happen, but in the midst of pain and suffering God's redeeming, loving, healing, and gentle character shines. now, we must also seek God like we do in suffering, even if we are not. we must remember who He is and how we are exactly who we are meant to be when we are in Him. His character is always perfect! in the book we also found truth about spiritual warfare. how ever present it is. how the devil does come to steal, kill, and destroy. he hates our Father with a great hatred, therefore, he hates His children-us. the devil tries to captivate our thoughts to therefore captivate our hearts, leading to the captivation of our lives and our actions. it is a scary thing, but we need to acknowledge that the devil is real. he wants us to fail. but, i'm so glad i was reminded on easter of the one who paid my debt, who raised my life up from the dead. i am under the wing of the one who defeated sin and death. and i hold that same power in me. today has been a very difficult day already and it is still morning. but in the presence of old memories and recent wounds i'm choosing to go about my day remembering that He who is in me is greater than the struggles, fears, pains, and situations around me.