Always the Fight Ministries: Displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse. (c)2019 Nancy Virden

God’s love is for anyone. Many know this, few walk in the confidence of its stability.  “Always the Fight” describes how life often feels. In our triumphs and losses with regard to love, there is One who fights for us and wins.  

I’ve written before that the unfailing, never-ending reality of God’s love was revealed to me late in life. Although serving in ministries in one way or another has defined my adult years,  it took an emotional awakening to deeply understand God’s eager and intentional love for this daughter. 

You can know his love for yourself. 

Head- knowledge

Head-knowledge of his love is all I had for 53 years. At any given time you could have heard me tell others that God loves them, and I meant it. However, a twisted message had seeped into my belief system and spoiled the ability to comprehend this love for myself. It was, in short, “I am not good enough.”

Scripture and teachings ran through this filter unawares. God used an unlikely tool to heal that mindset, by comparing his parenting to mine. 

(*Read more at the bottom of this post to learn how God talks to people.) 

The conversation

One day as I was in prayer, God asked me a question.  “How did you see your children when they were infants?”

“I saw them as beautiful,” I said.

“Why?” God asked. “All they did was poop and cry.”

“I saw everything good that they were and could ever be.”

“And that is how I see my spiritual infants,” God said. “How did you see your children when they were old enough to say no?”

“I still saw beauty. They had little experience and were clueless about their real needs. With lots of love and patient discipline, they could learn to be happy and content.”

God said, “And so I am with my spiritual toddlers. How did you see them when they grew older and became mouthy and rebellious?”

“Their beauty never faded because behind the immature mindset were beloved sons. Sometimes if they were especially stubborn I would have to let them suffer the consequences of their decisions so they would learn. They were welcomed with hugs and love immediately afterward.”

“And so I am with my rebellious children,” God said. “Nancy, how do you see them now as adults, when their lives have taken a turn you do not wish for them?”

“I still see all the beauty whenever I look at them. These men are precious and have God-given purposes. I will always welcome them as-is, answer when they ask, and show them my love.”

God spoke gently, his words like arrows straight to my deepest need. “Do you understand now, Nancy?”  

Finally, I did and it changed everything.

You can see it too

No matter what you have thought, said, or done, you are his beautiful child when you believe on Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Son of God, equal to God, one with God, who came to earth in the likeness of a man. He gave up his life, was buried, and rose on the third day so you can have that loving parent-child relationship with the Heavenly Father. Jesus resurrected so you can live with God forever- even after your physical body is gone.

God’s love is more passionate for you than human love. He is deeply invested in you. He protects as the Perfect Father. He allows hardship to bring out the woman or man he knows you can be, and for you to have the abundant life Jesus promised. He will always welcome you as-is because you are his beloved.

His love never fails.

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 8:38-39

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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*How God speaks

The idea of God speaking to a Christian believer freaks out some who do not understand. His “voice” is not often audible in the sense that ears are employed to hear it (at least it is rare). How can a voice be silent and understood at the same time? It is because when God speaks to a believer, it is through the Holy Spirit. He is by name and essence, holy (truthful, perfectly shares the heart of God with us, never evil), and Spirit (invisible, always present among believers, bearer of spiritual gifts and comfort.) We “hear” God’s voice in our own spirits. His message is clear and precise.

Jesus said he is the good shepherd and that his sheep (all who trust him) know his voice. It is absolutely imperative that one be a believer, not only in God but also having placed faith in Jesus in the way God commands, in order to recognize God’s voice from all the other messages that tug at our emotions and minds.

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*** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. (for international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!