Very Personal Words Experienced by One Sheep Through a Year. 

SHEEP:He has finally made a real connection to my heart with the above words. He has accomplished it through the adverse circumstances in my life. To think He loved me so much to die, to be raised so that I could become that new creation in Him is awesome and humbling at the same time.

Step by step He is leading me with my hand in His. I can't let go. I can't do it in myself. I had to surrender and still am surrendering – pride, fear, wanting to be in control. But we have created to be dependant upon Him. This mind of mine is my worst enemy. I told the Lord some time ago, I wanted more joy in my life. He said, "Trust me as a little child trusts." Then he began to show me through the difficult challenges of my life that that was the way I would learn – to consider it all joy.

By His GRACE and the renewing of the Holy Spirit within me, I will get there. He also reminded me about Jesus – for the JOY before Him, he endured the cross despising the shame.

A couple weeks ago, Neal and I went to hear a minister used in healing. I was being challenged BIG TIME in my body. I experienced a weakness when I can hardly stand. I have even fallen twice only to incur more problems. The list could go on and on, but enough said. So, I went up to the minister and asked for prayer. All he said to me was, "I see the anointing of the Spirit upon you." – then he walked away.

Shortly after, a young lady came up to me whom I have been mentoring and said, "I want to come and wash your feet." – which she did – Friday. There were two other young ladies whom I am mentoring as well. They anointed me and washed my feet – then we ministered to one another. Two days before this time I awoke with a painful arm. It got so bad, Neal was planning on taking me for an x-ray. Friday morning, however, as the girls ministered to me, God healed me and told me to expect to be restored. – the wrist was only the beginning. I now understand what the minister meant about the anointing on me.

Saturday, yesterday, I was contemplating the words, "consider it all joy" and "for the joy before Him, He endured, despising the shame."

I began to weep for I saw (in my heart) what He meant by those words. All the difficulties I have been going through are bringing me to know in my heart, "to consider it all joy".

At first I didn't like it, my pride was involved as well, and I was being humbled in the process – all this I needed. In His mercy and great love for me He allowed these situations to bring healing – spirit, soul and body.

You see - not all things are bad – we have a miraculous, merciful, Heavenly Father, who uses all things for good. He accomplishes His purposes in us and changes us in the process. Know that – in His time He makes all things beautiful.

On our part, we are to be willing and obedient taking time to abide in Him and healing will come – spirit, soul and body.