King James Bible
King James Version (KJV)
Testimony: Endurance And Growth
Anonymous's testimony "Endurance And Growth" on 3/26/2014, 5:39am...
I grew up in an abusive home dominated by alcoholism in both parents. Family members practiced a selective self professed Christianity. My gay sibling rejects those portions of the bible that instruct that homosexuality is an abomination. I was rejected and disowned by my family after asking them to repent. I disobeyed Gods instruction to not be unequally yoked and suffered through decades of betrayal and infidelity ending in divorce. The subsequent divorce strategy executed by my thrice divorced spouse resulted in 45 court engagements and a significant legal expenditure.
My children were in elementary school and I was left to raise them singlehandedly. Layoffs at work necessitated moving several times. Child support was minimal and the ex was non compliant and uncooperative, refusing visitations to pursue a bachelors life. Multiple joint replacement surgeries have slowed me down and resulted in further loss of employment. I live a life of isolation and chastity rather than to conform to the demands of unbiblical modern relationships. Through all these bad decisions and trials i have learned that is the only thing that matters is God. He is the one person who will provide what your soul requires to grow.
He will love you and cherish you, and chastise and sculpt you with the experience called life. The adversary may be able to touch your life briefly, or even take it from you, but if you endure to the end you will receive a crown of life. My prayers are that every person could find Gods love and arrive safely in heaven. Endurance during trials is an act of sheer will and faith. Though the world makes it appear that you have failed, the spiritual battles are the only ones that count. So when you stand up for God and his words, expect a battle, and embrace the chance to overcome. And who knows, by forgiving and loving one's enemies, will bear spiritual fruit. Strength of character, and the ability to resist the devil and stand up for truth regardless of the consequences is what disciplining the soul is all about. No battle is too small or insignificant. And remember that falling down is not important, it's whether or not you stand up that counts.
Even when you are completely alone, God and His angels are with you until the end. There is a beautiful river of life with trees lining it, and Jesus has gone to prepare a special place because he cherishes you. So, set your eyes on becoming the person God wants you to be, not what the prince of the power of the air advertises you should be. Success to me, means being in the world but not of it. Success means learning to endure the trials and keeping your sites on the prize of salvation. Rejecting the world and embracing God and his word. God has blessed me with my children and His presence during times of trial and I hope you too will listen to the small still voice that comes to us in times of despair and loneliness and will feel the comfort of God's love.