Comfort in Affliction
COMFORT IN AFFLICTIONBy Maria#3355 3/01
Dear Ones,
1. I love you! We all face battles at one time or another with our health-some
of us more often than others. Some of you suffer from long-term illnesses
or afflictions, and I greatly admire you for your courage, bravery, and
endurance. My afflictions are so minor by comparison, but I do have a lot of
them, so I sympathize, and I'm amazed at how well you handle them and the grace
the Lord gives to help you keep going for Him despite them. You can be sure
that whenever we hear of anyone suffering from an affliction, Peter and I and
our Home pray for you very fervently during our prayer vigils and during united
prayer at meals and other times.
2. Over the past few years we've received so much from the Lord on
sickness, healing and health, that we've compiled some of it for you here. This
letter contains prophecy excerpts that touch on various aspects of the subject
of healing and the many wonderful promises that the Lord has given-not only of
how He can and will heal, but also about all He can bring into our lives
through affliction and the wonderful gift from Him that it can become, if you
take it as such. The Lord said He wished these Words to be “as jewels gathered
together in a treasure chest, for My children to pull out what is applicable to
them and claim them and be strengthened by them.” Since we all have afflictions
or weak health at some time-some of us rather frequently-I believe this will be
a great encouragement to each of you.
3. This Letter is mainly encouraging words from our Husband about how He
sees affliction, and His promises of comfort. He frequently brings out how
much He wants us to rest in His arms during times of weakness, so that He can
work in our spirits and heal our bodies. It's important to have the right
mindset when you're faced with sickness or weak health. As Dad said, “The
greatest healing factor is faith-to know that God loves you and cares for you
and is going to take care of you no matter what!” Often the first thing the
Enemy tries to hit you with in times of affliction is just the opposite of
that-a feeling of condemnation or discouragement. He'll try to convince you
that you're sick because you're receiving just punishment for your sins, or
that you don't deserve the Lord's healing and that you're never going to get
healed, or discourage you about all that you're not able to do during the time
that you're sick, or make you feel like a weight and burden to the Home because
you're not physically capable of keeping up with your duties.
4. Please, dear ones, recognize those lies of the Enemy for what they are! Even if you did something to bring on your affliction through disobedience to the Lord's health rules or His spiritual laws, He still wants you to be healed-not discouraged or depressed! Ask Him what the problem is and what He wants you to do about it. Lie back in your precious Husband's arms and listen to Him tell you how He sees it! Receive faith through His Words-faith that He will heal you in His time, and faith to rest in Him and receive all that He has for you during your time of physical weakness or affliction. Each of these beautiful messages you can claim as your own. And don't hesitate to ask Him for His personal, specific, individual counsel for you, even on a daily basis. That's the first step down the road of healing-getting the Lord's perspective on the situation and following the counsel He gives as your wonderful Great Physician. I love you! You're in my prayers!
Love, Maria
Your Greatest Strength
Comes Through Faith and Trust
5. (Jesus
speaking:) Many are the afflictions of the righteous. Afflictions, no
matter how small or how big, can equal My blessings in your life in some way if
you will choose to look at them that way and if you will choose to receive
them.
6. Afflictions are times of testing and purging, times of drawing
you closer to Me, times of cleansing you from the cares and burdens of life as
you rest on My bosom.
7. They are times of strengthening your connection with Me as you
seek Me for healing, as you rest in My Word and hold on to it for your
encouragement.
8. They are times of sweetness as you look to Me, like a little
child looking to her father for help.
9. They are times of My love to you as I hold you in My arms and comfort
you and caress you and nurture you back to full health.
10. Fret not for this light affliction in your life, because each
time that it comes it is in answer to your prayer that you will stay close to
Me and dependent upon Me, desperate in spirit and walking in humility. It's but
a gentle channeling of your spirit and life, My gentle way of helping you to
rest in Me and stay close to Me.
11. Fear not, for it is not an affliction of destruction, but it is one
that is meant to restore your life, to renew your spark of inspiration, to
refresh your appreciation for the good health that you have, to bless you with
a thankful, grateful heart. For when I restore your health and you feel better,
your appreciation, love and respect for Me are all so much sweeter.
12. It's a test for My older ones whenever they are tested with light
afflictions, because they know their bodies are weaker, it takes them much
longer to heal, and sometimes they're not as strong afterward. It's a test of
your faith and trust in Me that no matter what your age, I will still protect
and heal and keep you, and that I'm still able to deliver you from any and all
afflictions, just as I have promised.
13. My older ones are tempted to worry or fear when it comes to changes
in their bodies, afflictions, or any signs of unusual things happening with
their bodies. This is because they know that their bodies are wearing out, that
they're susceptible to health problems, ailments, and even serious,
life-threatening afflictions. But I say unto you that no good comes from
worrying about these things. For if it is My will for you to pass through an
affliction, it will be done in love for your good and according to My perfect
will. So you need not worry.
14. The Enemy will tempt you to worry about your aging body, your health, to
fret, “What if this or that goes wrong?” But are not these things in My
hands, dear one? Trust in Me and continue to have faith, for your faith need
not grow older even if your body does. Trust in My Word, knowing that My will
and My power to keep and protect and heal you is the same today as yesterday.
15. It's also a test for My younger ones when they're faced with a time
of affliction or physical weakness, because many are used to having lots of
energy, drive, physical stamina, and endurance. To suddenly be
weakened and need more rest is not a natural feeling for them, and they often
fight against taking the rest that they need to strengthen and restore their
body. They feel restricted, they resent the affliction, and sometimes they're
so consumed by trying to be strong despite the physical weakness that they
don't slow down enough to let Me speak to them and strengthen their spirit.
16. Often I wish to slow them down physically to give them a time in My
bedchamber to learn of Me, to be humble, and to go slow. But if they're
trying so hard to get better and not appear weak, then they miss the whole
point, and their bodies are not strengthened, but weakened. They can also be
tempted with worry, wondering if this affliction will last forever or will
leave lasting consequences. The best thing that they can do is relax, listen to
Me speak to them about it, and renew their faith and trust in Me.
17. The worst thing you can do is to yield to the Enemy's spirit of worry. For through worry you not only weaken your faith muscles but you also weaken your body physically. Faith creates. Faith brings life and strength and energy! There is great power in faith. Whether I choose to allow a light affliction or a heavy affliction, your greatest strength will come through faith to trust in My wisdom and My will for you. (End of message from Jesus.)
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18. (Jesus speaking:) Do I cause affliction, or do I simply allow it? Do I afflict My children, or is it
always the work of the Enemy? These are deep questions, and hard to explain in
a way that your minds can perfectly comprehend all My thoughts and workings in
this matter.
19. But what you can know for a surety is that whatever happens to you, My
children whom I love and who love Me, I desire to use in your life to work
together for good. There are times when you are afflicted because of
natural causes-you have disobeyed one of My natural rules for healthful living,
and you are reaping the consequence. There are other times when you have gotten
out of line in the spirit, and I know that an affliction is the quickest and
best way to get your attention and get you back on the straight and narrow.
20. I never like to see you suffer, but sometimes, as a good parent, I know
that you must suffer in order to achieve a greater good-to learn an
important lesson, or to keep you from hurting yourself in a worse way. There
are times when I wish you didn't have to go through something, but you bring it
on yourself due to disobedience or foolishness. There are other times when I
know that it's best for you to pass through a time of affliction, and I
directly allow it in your life, even if there are not obvious natural causes.
21. But whatever the case or circumstance, I always want to bring good out of
it for you, My precious ones. Whether I will it directly, or whether you
are suffering the natural results of your own careless actions, I still can
bring beautiful fruit out of it, and you can learn and grow and gain depth of
spirit.
22. So don't neglect to seek Me about it. Don't condemn yourself or allow the Enemy to condemn you. That is his ploy to steal your faith and rob you of the comfort I want to give you. Even if it is My hand directly chastening you, even if you brought it on yourself through disobedience, even if it's because you were off track, I still want to comfort you and help you through it. I love you, and will never leave you or forsake you. I never allow anything that you can't learn from or benefit from in some way, even if it's something you brought on yourself. I still allowed it, and still want to bring good out of it for you, My love. (End of message from Jesus.)
****
23. (Jesus speaking:) Faith is the victory!-Faith in Me, faith in My
Word, faith in My promises in spite of how you feel, in spite of the circumstances, in
spite of the reactions of your body. The Evil One seeks to spread fear and
worry, but I am greater than him. Have faith in Me and believe, for I will see you
through.
24. I'm using this little affliction, this little battle, to strengthen your
faith. I have delivered and I will deliver because of your faith in Me. In
spite of what it seems like outwardly, and in spite of circumstances, in spite
of your feelings, you must manifest faith that I will perform My will. You must
believe My promises and know that I will see you through.
25. I care for My Own, and you are one of My precious ones. So use this occasion as an opportunity to strengthen your faith, for I will see you through, and this will give you faith for the greater battles ahead. Simply believe and receive and have faith in My love and My care for you. (End of message from Jesus.)
Jesus Understands!
26. (Jesus
speaking:) I was in all points tempted just the same as you-especially in
afflictions. I had just as many scraped knees, bumps and scratches as any
little boy. Sometimes I even had to endure a lot more than you do today, because,
even if I wanted to take one, there were no aspirins and painkillers. There was
no sunscreen lotion for protection against the sun. There were no heaters when
it was very cool at night.
27. My land was often very hot and dry in the daytime and cold at night in the
winter seasons. The simple houses we lived in were built to be cool in the
daytime, not to retain the heat at night, so it was cold. We did have fires,
but we did not have fireplaces as you know them to be, for we did not use
chimneys. We either built our fires outside the house or we had a place for
them in the middle of a large central area inside the house, open to the air,
or with windows nearby for the smoke to escape. We lived as the poor do in many
countries around the world today, surviving the heat in the summer and the cold
in the winter the best we could, with what we had available to us.
28. As I traveled to spread My Father's message, the accommodations were often
very simple, or even nonexistent. My disciples and I grew used to camping
in fields or living in simple huts and barns, for there were many of us and
only the very wealthy had room for us in their houses. Has it not been said
that foxes had their holes and the birds of the air their nests, but the Son of
Man had nowhere to lay His head? We had no steady home, but took what was
offered us as we went from place to place. Sometimes it was warm, for which we
were very thankful, but at other times it was cold. I was very grateful for My
cloak, which I wrapped around Myself at such times to try to stay warm.
29. There were no refrigerators to keep food from spoiling. There was no
purified water or many other conveniences. There were no antiseptics like you
have today for cuts, or running water to clean them out. Everything took
longer.
30. Just because I was the Son of God, I didn't instantly heal
Myself-although I could have. But I didn't, so that the Scripture could be
fulfilled that I was in all points tempted as you are, with the same
afflictions. I had My afflictions in order to learn the same lessons that you
go through-to draw Me closer to My Father, to help Me to learn patience and to
learn to claim the Word, and sometimes just to have time alone in quietness and
stillness to think and pray about things.
31. I know what it's like to be sick, to be handicapped by pain or
illness, to have a throbbing headache, or to feel completely weak and debilitated
by some affliction. That's why I encourage you so often to bring your
infirmities and your sicknesses to Me, because I feel for you and I don't want
you to go through prolonged illness, discomfort, and pain. I understand what
it's like to be sick-the hardships and the suffering. This is why I gave My
body for yours. After having suffered so much, I didn't want you to suffer
without relief, and I gave you these two gifts, salvation and healing.
32. I went through so many afflictions and so much suffering that
I wanted to save you from as much of it as possible. That's why it became
so important to Me to offer healing as well as salvation, because I care about
your bodies. I care about your pain. I care about your suffering. Having lived
with you and having gone through the same things, I understand completely what
it's like to be sick and to suffer.
33. Many times when you come to Me and ask for healing, you don't get
full healing right away. I don't always instantly heal, but I do make it
much lighter and I take away much of the pain. I heal you much quicker than you
normally would be healed, but still leave you with a touch of the sickness so
that it will have the desired effect of drawing you closer to Me and teaching
you whatever lessons I want to teach you, and then I heal you.
34. Your healing is very important to Me, as are the things that you
suffer, the physical afflictions that you go through. In fact, it's so
important to Me that I made it part of the communion ceremony, along with
salvation and the forgiveness of your sins. In some of the last words spoken to
My disciples, the wine represents My blood and the bread represents My body
that was broken for you.
35. So whenever you're sick, come to Me. I will understand, because I
went through the same thing. Ask Me for healing, for the lessons, for
whatever it is that I want to tell you or give you. Perhaps I just want you to
have some quiet time with Me. I will heal you, because I don't wish for you to
suffer a moment longer than necessary.
36. I also wish for you to use this gift of healing as a witness, as
a demonstration of My love for those you come in contact with. I want you
to pray for them and to heal them, so that they know that I'm alive and I care
for them, I love them, I'm concerned about them, and I want to be both their
healer and their Savior. It can be used as a testimony that I understand their
suffering, their pain, and their sicknesses. I went through the same things that
they do, and I want to touch and heal them, and I will.
37. Come unto Me, all of you who are sick and afflicted. Take My healing upon you and be made whole, for healing is one of My demonstrations of love for you. (End of message from Jesus.)
Opportunity to Gain
The Precious Things of the Spirit!
38. (Jesus
speaking:) Don't worry, My love, this too will pass. And as it is with
any affliction or battle that you look to Me in, with it will come new maturity
and growth, new understanding, new grace, new faith and wisdom. I allow each
experience, and through each one there is something I want to impart to you-a gift,
a strengthening in some area. If you look to Me in each experience, I am able
to do this easily, and you come through more complete and useful than before.
39. What does it mean to look to Me? It means to turn your face
upward, to look into My eyes in the spirit by asking Me how I see things, by
trusting Me that I love you and will do that which is best for you, by giving
Me your will and yielding to whatever I have brought into your life, and
looking for the good in it. When you do that, through our time gazing in each
other's eyes in the spirit, I am able to give you not only faith and healing
and comfort, but also the deeper things of the spirit that I have in store for
you. You gain so much through these types of experiences.
40. It doesn't have to be something very serious to really gain a lot
from it. Even if your affliction is not very serious, it can be enough for
you to gain precious things from My Spirit if you want them and seek them.
41. And so, My love, I have given you this gift of a temporary
affliction that through it you might find a new level of faith and trust in Me,
and new things of the spirit which I will show you as you look to Me. These new
things of the spirit don't always seem like revelations, but they are truths
which strengthen your spirit and round you out. They soften you and make you
more complete, gentler, more useful.
42. I love you, and again I tell you that there's nothing to worry about. I've promised you complete protection, and My healing power is available to you. Even if you must walk through the fire you will not be burned, for I will cover you with My presence, protecting you from any harm. (End of message from Jesus.)
Take Advantage of the Time
To Slow Down and Be Renewed
43. (Jesus
speaking:) I realize it's difficult to endure this affliction, but know
that I am near. I'm here to hold you, to comfort you, and to carry you
through. I desire to turn this time into a golden opportunity, for I want to
use this time to have a little extra time of intimacy with you.
44. I know it's hard and difficult, but if you'll just take this time to
lie in the bed of love with Me, I will speak intimacies in your ear-encouraging
words that will be your strength. They will encourage your heart, set your mind
at ease, and prepare you for the days to come.
45. Yes, I wish to use this time to speak to you heart to heart and to
strengthen you. Therefore, My sweetheart, despise not this time, but use it
to the full. I know it's hard. Yet if you will look on this time as a golden
opportunity to hide away with Me, to cuddle up in the bed of love and let Me
whisper in your ear, I will tell you words of love and comfort and
encouragement that I have for you and you alone-words of enlightenment,
strengthening words that will sustain you both now and in the future. If you
will seize this opportunity, then this will be a time of great worth.
46. I have much to give you, much to pour out. I wish to turn this into
a time of great victory-a time of lying in each other's arms, a time of
strengthening in spirit. I am able to raise you up instantly, as one that is
raised from the dead. Yet often I allow nature to run its course, because this
works My purpose in strengthening you in spirit, and often even in body, once
you have fully recovered. For just as your spirit is renewed by time with Me,
your body is often renewed and regenerated by this time of rest and
recuperation that you have had to take.
47. As you feed and nourish your body with the good food that I supply,
this is building your bodily strength. And as you slow your pace, as you
lie in the bed of love taking this extra time with Me, this provides an
opportunity to feed and strengthen your spirit-free from distractions, free
from the business and details of many matters that surround you each day.
48. So seize this golden opportunity, and know that I am near to hold
you and to show you great things-to strengthen and to prepare you for the
busy days ahead. Continue resting, staying warm, eating well, and drinking lots
of liquids. Most of all, spend time reading My Words, tanking up, reviewing My
written Word, and receiving new revelations-My Own personal words of love,
comfort and guidance for you personally, from My heart to yours-for these will
sustain you now and in the future.
49. If you will use this time wisely, if you will see it as a golden opportunity instead of a weight or burden, then you will go from strength to strength. I am here to hold, to comfort, and to speak to your heart, and in the end I will raise you up strengthened, ready to fight the battles ahead. Cherish this time with Me as we lie in the bed of love together, for you are My precious one, and I long to whisper strengthening Words in your ear. This time will yield great victory out of seeming defeat, as you rest in My arms and hear the Words I will speak to you. (End of message from Jesus.)
These Tests Refine Your Spirit
50. (Jesus
speaking:) Though this testing may not seem like something good at the
moment, you will rejoice with Me in the fruit it will bear and be glad that
I brought you through it.
51. I see things so differently. I see the long-range plan and
picture. I see into eternity. But your flesh sees only the moment. I don't
condemn you for that, because that's how you were created. I know that it can
be hard to rise above, for I too lived in the flesh and I know the demands of
the flesh.
52. But I ask you now to look beyond the realm of the flesh into the
realm of the spirit, for there I do a mighty work. There I prepare your
spirit for the future-not only for your future on Earth but for your eternal
future. The things of this world are temporal. Your flesh will pass away, but
your spirit will remain forever. This test that you're passing through is
refining your beautiful spirit. It's building and enhancing your character. And
when you finally arrive and walk the halls of Heaven, you will rejoice and be
thankful that in My love I brought you through this special time. Though now
your flesh cries out in protest and your emotions are in a whirl, and though the
Tempter comes in with his lies and fears, you will be so thankful that you
trusted and held on.
53. But, My love, know that I will not suffer you to be tempted beyond what you are able. I will not let this test continue one moment longer than is necessary. I'm overseeing this personally and I will be with you each step of the way. You need only look into My face and remember how much I love you and that this is for your good, and I will bring you forth as fine gold. I will bring about a greater closeness and dependence on Me through this. I've put you in a situation where you have to be desperate. I'm making it easy for you to be good. I'm making it easy for you to learn the things I have for you at this time in your growth. (End of message from Jesus.)
A Special Purpose
54. (Jesus
speaking:) This affliction will be but for a short time, until it
accomplishes My purpose. So look up and take advantage of these days of
quietness, these days of rest, these days of repose in which you may draw
strength from Me and fellowship with Me. I wish to strengthen you inwardly for
the days that are coming. I wish to forge a clear channel that will remain long
after this affliction has passed-a channel of wanting to know Me and hear Me,
desiring and longing for My voice. It will be such a part of you that you will
feel the pull when you miss a day with Me.
55. This affliction is a blessing, for in your love and care and
concern you would have given your all, far beyond what is even healthy, to help
those around you, to meet their needs, to make them comfortable. Though this is
commendable, I have thus afflicted you for your own good, so that you could
pull away and be strengthened and draw closer to Me, so that you can more fully
minister to those in need and truly give of your abundance.
56. Draw from Me, so your well may be full. When you then draw out to nourish others, there will be plenty left, and you'll be firmly attached to the Source, so that your well can be continually replenished. (End of message from Jesus.)
A Special Opportunity
To Spend Time with Our Husband
57. (Jesus
speaking:) Especially when you're weary and worn, tired and sick, and so
very weak, I want to show you My strength. I want to fill you with new
energy, with the seeds of My strength, My healing, and My anointing.
58. Don't feel that I love you less when you're weak and sick, or
that I want you less. In fact, seeing you so frail and unable to walk alone
and lacking in strength makes Me all the more desirous to give you all that you
need. I feel all the more compassion and understanding for you, and I want so
much to help you.
59. Turn to Me in your time of trouble and call on Me. I will
answer you and I will give to you out of My great abundance of strength and
health and healing. You will not lack, and we will spend sweet time together in
our bed of love.
60. I will transport you out of this world of pain and suffering, and will help you to feel the electricity of My Spirit and the wonderful thrills that I can give you anytime, anywhere, if you'll just open your channel to Me and receive all that I have to give you. (End of message from Jesus.)
Chosen in the Furnace of Affliction
61. (Jesus
speaking:) I have caused you to pass through the furnace of affliction, My
dear one. I'm not punishing you, but I'm testing you and refining you and
helping you to be an even better person. I have not afflicted you because I
don't love you, for I love you very much.
62. These afflictions in your life are My way of making you even more
beautiful. Your inner beauty will shine through for all to see as you look
up to Me. I will help others to see the beauty of My Spirit in you as you speak
words of faith and praise and love to Me. You can be a vessel of beauty-one
that is full of My love, one that others admire and seek out, if you let Me
shine through you. Give yourself completely to Me-to loving Me and honoring
Me-and as you do, others will see such beauty of spirit, such sweetness and
love, that they will be drawn to you.
63. When you suffer and feel the pain, when you feel alone and unloved, know that I am with you, that I love you, and your family loves you. You don't suffer alone. You're not alone, for I am always by your side, loving you, caring for you, and touching you with My love. But you must look up and see Me in order to receive the love that is waiting for you. Look fully into My wonderful face and see the depth of My love for you, and as you do, you will be filled with My peace and joy and your pain will decrease. I will care for you and help you all the days of your life until I bring you Home to My arms. (End of message from Jesus.)
The Rainbow from the Rain
64. (Jesus
speaking:) Is it raining afflictions, little flower? Don't worry, for
the prayers of your precious family will cause the rainbow to shine through in
all of its splendid colors, and the sunshine to break through again.
65. Is there pain and discomfort, and do you shed a few tears? Don't
worry, My dear one, for it's only temporary, and the comfort you desire is just
around the corner. I'm sorry for these moments of pain and affliction, and for
the battle that you must fight and endure, but be not weary and be not afraid,
for the end of this trying time is almost here. It's very soon, very near. Hold
on.
66. Although the Enemy has been allowed to attack and bring about these
afflictions in your life, I have allowed it, for it is also bringing about
sweetness, tenderness, and beauty. I have smelled the sweet prayers of your
precious family as they prayed for you. I see the tenderness within their
hearts as they are touched with the feeling of your infirmities, and it's
creating a beautiful bond of love. I will kiss away the pain and the hurt and
soothe each one. You will feel the touch of My beautiful healing hand, and you
will return kisses of praise to Me.
67. Don't worry about anything, My love, for nothing will happen to you
that is too difficult for you to bear. I will not let it be so. And
although I know it's hard and difficult and a spiritual battle, I will help you
to bear it and I will make the way easier because of the prayers of your
family. You have nothing to fear, for each of their prayers is a kiss of My
love and My healing for you.
68. Rest completely upon My breast, for I am giving you the grace and
the strength and the help that you need. I'm proud of you for being such a
cheerful, brave soldier. I'm proud of you for enduring these afflictions-even
though through your tears-with such faith. I will not fail you. I will heal and
help and restore your health, and you will not faint, you will not fall. My
work will not stop, neither will My Words. So let your heart be at peace and
look up into My face.
69. Look up into the heavens where My rainbow can be clearly seen.
One end is in the heavens and the other end is in your lap. I take My jewels
and gems out of My big pot of gold and send them sliding down the rainbow,
right into your lap! My promises will not fail, neither will the flow of My
Words stop, but My Words will go on and on and on and radiate the splendor of
My light to the world.
70. Although the Enemy fights you and attacks, he cannot prevail! As
long as you hold on and continue to call on My power and My strength and let Me
fight for you, you will have the victory. As long as you let Me live through
you and turn to Me for the help that you need, you will always have My help-not
only today in this battle with these afflictions, but in every day and for
every battle.
71. We'll ride into the future, into the wonders that are in store! We'll ride on that beautiful rainbow of My love! You'll glide and slide in the spirit and thrill to the ecstasies! There will be no stopping you or My Words! Ride, My love, ride! I'm right beside you and I enjoy the ride along with you. (End of message from Jesus.)
Treasures from
The Cave of Affliction
72. (Jesus
speaking:) As the honey is extracted from the honeycomb through being
squeezed, so does the sweetness of your spirit shine forth through this time of
affliction, this time of pain. Through the squeezing and crushing of your
life, the beauties of your spirit, the love within your heart, and the
treasures of your soul pour forth.
73. How beautiful and marvelous in My sight is this death to everything
that you are; this birth of everything that I am
in you. Though the pain
almost kills you, though the discomfort is almost too much to bear, though this
affliction is about you like a strong iron hand that seeks to wring out every
ounce of your strength, you continue to trust Me.
74. Though it hurts My heart to see you suffer so, I know that the
blessings you're receiving from Me during this time of affliction are well
worth the price you pay. Oh, I know. I know the pain. I can feel the pain. I
know that this is no light affliction, but I promise you that it is but for a
moment, and through it I am perfecting a far more exceeding and eternally
wonderful and glorious work in you.
75. Though the pain runs deep, though you suffer almost to the point of
death, I am near you-nearer than I've ever been before. In the times when
no one else is around, it's just you and Me. I'm so close to you. I cry when
you cry. I feel pain when you feel pain. But when you are weak, I remain
strong. I am the strength in your weakness, the strength in your affliction. I
hold you in My arms and I don't allow one bit more than I know you and I can
handle and endure together.
76. My cheerful one, fighting through this intense and trying
affliction, I'm so proud of you. You will not lose anything through this
time; you will only gain. You're in the deep, dark cave of affliction, and the
jewels that you will discover in the rocks of these hard dark walls will remain
with you forever.
77. The darkness will soon be gone, My love. You'll see a speck of
light in the distance, and as you keep letting Me carry you, we'll walk closer
and closer to that light. The light is the light of victory, the light of My
promises to you. The light will chase away the shades of night and darkness.
78. I know you can see that light now, My dear one. You can barely see it, but it's there. So keep your eyes on the light, on the victory that's in sight. But at the same time, continue collecting those treasures and gems that you find along the way in this cave of affliction. For these are jewels from My hand that will remain with you forever, as a reminder of how I kept you and sustained you and gave you the victory. (End of message from Jesus.)
He's Proud of You!
(Given for someone who was suffering serious asthma attacks and colds.)
79. (Jesus
speaking:) Though it hurts Me, My love, to see you suffer through
your weakness in the flesh, and especially to see you suffer in your heart
and mind because of the discouragement and negativity that seeks to overwhelm
you, and while I also shed a tear, it's a tear of joy at seeing you stand
strong and pass the tests. It makes Me so proud to see you use your training to
jump the hurdles and run the sprints, all the while training and practicing for
the marathon of life. The road you're going down is not an easy one, and your
training program is not for the weak or faint-hearted. It's only for the
strong, the steady, the determined, and those destined to be champions, created
to be winners.
80. You're one of My chosen troops, My chosen players, and I've called
you into one of the most elite combat units with the most specialized training-specialized
in that I have catered each event of your life and tailored each battle and
test especially for you. I know your makeup-your temperament, your strengths,
and your weaknesses, and I know what you need most. I know what areas you most
need to be strengthened in. So in order to strengthen those areas, in order to
make your wits quick and your skills sharp in these weak areas, I must test and
test and test, so that again and again you might have the opportunity to
overcome, to fight, to be victorious. After many tests, you are well
experienced at handling them, and you will have become a fighter.
81. But though the struggle may endure for a time, joy will always come
again. Though weeping may endure for a night, joy will come in the morning.
Though the battles may rage fast and furious, victory will always come if you
keep fighting. Though battles may come again and again, and the attacks may be
repeated and frequent, I will always bring deliverance, and I will never give
you one ounce more than you're able to take.
82. I want to make you into one of My strongest, toughest, most skilled
fighters. You may look at yourself and think My goal a hopeless cause. You
may feel weak in flesh and in spirit. You may feel unable to jump over these
hurdles that seem to surround you on all sides. But you must stop looking just
at the hurdles themselves and look up to Me. Look upward, into My face, and
find there the strength, the grace, the resolve, the determination, and the
will to win. For I can do all things through you, and I seek to prove to you
that I can do the impossible. I can bring full health and strength to your
weakened body; I can bring perfect peace and rest to your troubled mind; I can
bring joy and light to your aching heart.
83. I can do the impossible, and I delight in difficult cases. I
delight in using your weakness to demonstrate My strength and power, and I love
your dependence upon Me and your humility before Me. This empowers Me to do
great things in your life-to work great changes which, though often unseen on
the surface, bring about greater depth, greater strength, and a greater
closeness to Me. I can then mold you and make you into the vessel of My choice
with greater ease; I can iron out the rough spots, the quirks, the kinks, and
the squeaks, and make you run smoother than ever.
84. Even in this battle with your health, though it has lingered long
and hard, and though this affliction has been with you for many years, I am
still able to deliver. Seek Me and call upon Me, that I may show you more
of My plan, My will, and My purpose; that I may show you all the deep truths
that I wish to shower upon you through your brokenness and your desperation,
and that I may teach and instruct you in what more you can do to fight-both
spiritually and physically-that you may be better prepared for the next battle;
and that, in time, you may gain complete victory and constant relief.
85. I am able! I ask only for your faith, your trust, and your
willingness and yieldedness to fight with all that is in you; to do it for Me;
to succeed in your training and overcome your trials for My sake, and for the
sake of others who I will and do use you to help and minister to.
86. It's all for a purpose. It's all for your good, and of that you have My solemn promise. I would do nothing but that which will help you and which will be for your benefit-because I love you, I need you, and I want the best for you. (End of message from Jesus.)
The Cross of Affliction
87. (This will
probably be very encouraging to those of you who suffer from long-term
afflictions, or who may feel as if you've carried some affliction most of your
life. The Lord likens it to your cross, and He promises that every cross has a
crown. He's proud of you for carrying it bravely for Him!)
88. (Jesus speaking:) You have truly borne your cross bravely and
with courage, with praise on your lips and in your heart. Your praises and
your prayers have ascended to My courts, and I have poured down grace and
strength for every affliction. I have given you ministering angels who sit
beside you to uphold you when you're weak and who whisper words of cheer when
you're faint, who touch your lips and place within them My praise.
89. Be comforted to know that I was also greatly afflicted. People
even said of Me, because of My many afflictions, “We did esteem Him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.” I had so many afflictions that they thought
surely there was something wrong with Me; God must be displeased with Me
somehow, or why would I be so afflicted. They thought, “Truly God has to deal
with Him so severely because of some great fault and weakness. Maybe He's even
cursed. Why else would He be so afflicted? Isn't health a blessing from God,
and aren't those that are smitten cursed for some wrongdoing?”
90. No, My precious one, you have been truly blessed because of the cross of your afflictions. Each man has a personal cross that he is given to bear. Sometimes it's a cross of many years. But the cross makes you worthy of the crown. There is no cross without a crown, and though you may have to bear the cross longer than you would have chosen, please know it is a gift from Me because you are worthy, because I have chosen you. Remember that I walked this path before you. And know that when you arrive Here, as part of your reward, your spiritual body will shine with great splendor, even more than others, as will your crown, as a testimony of the cross of the body you carried through the streets of life on Earth and the thorns of afflictions that pierced you, My precious and deserving bride! (End of message from Jesus.)
Strength Born of Affliction
(This was given for someone who suffered from several long-term afflictions.)
91. (Jesus
speaking:) I see deeply into your heart, more clearly than any other person
ever can or will. I know the depths of your love for Me and the great
commitment and the sacrifices that you've made because of this immeasurable
love. You've been a willing and yielded vessel of My love, and through your
broken body I am able to pour forth My Spirit and love to others in great
measure. You've been a sample to many of dedication, of perseverance, and of faith-faith
that trusts in spite of circumstances, faith that proclaims in word and deed,
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
92. I can heal and I can strengthen your wounds and your weakness, and
I can make you every whit whole. For I am the Great Physician, and there is
nothing that is too hard for Me. Yet I also wish for you to know that I have
allowed this weakness, this suffering, this pain; for all things work together
for good for those who love Me. Much good have I worked in your life, and you've
become a priceless, valuable vessel.
93. Through this pain you have come to know Me in a way that would not
have been possible otherwise. Through affliction you've gained understanding
and compassion that would be impossible any other way. Through the sorrows and
through the loneliness you've felt, you've reached out to Me and received of My
Spirit in a way that you would not have been desperate enough to do if your
body, mind, and spirit were whole and well.
94. Know that these sufferings and afflictions, though they are great
and though they weigh upon you, can't even be compared to the glory that will
be revealed in you. You will be glorious! You will shine forever as one of
My valiant soldiers, My valiant knights who fought the battles of the Lord and
overcame the attacks of the Enemy, one who rescued many of My lost sheep from
the clutches of the Evil One and brought them safely Home to Me. Forever your
name will be written in the stars-the stars that shall shine from your crown
because you have turned many to Me and have been faithful to My calling and
anointing.
95. I have called you in your sorrow and pain, and you have heeded My
call, following Me by faith and not by feelings and circumstances;
following because of your love for Me, in spite of all that could have kept you
back or caused you to falter.
96. I have helped you and given you grace to stand strong. Know that My
grace will always be sufficient. My arms will ever be around you and close
to you, to uphold you when you're weak, to lift you up when you fall. My care
and protection will ever be around you, and the pain and affliction will never
be greater than you can bear.
97. The Enemy seeks to snuff out your life and to cause you to cease
from ministering, serving, and feeding My children, but My power is greater.
My Spirit will overcome, and I will continue to use you to feed and strengthen
many. Every day, every hour, every moment that you've spent in pouring out My
Words to these will not return void, but will bring forth much fruit!
98. Truly these weights have borne good fruit, for they've made you strong. Through them you've grown wings and have flown above circumstances and into the world of My Spirit, where all things are possible to him that believeth. (End of message from Jesus.)
Jesus Intercedes on Your Behalf
99. (Jesus
speaking:) I kneel at this very moment before My Father's throne, as the
Great Intercessor, to plead for your strength and health and life. You are
My dear child, and I watch over you with the tenderest care. Though I am King
of all, I still stoop on bended knee when I intercede on your behalf, granting
you strength, faith, and trust to keep going. This I will do for you today, My
dear one, so that the load will not be too heavy or too taxing.
100. I will take upon My Own shoulders a great portion of your suffering and pain. I will stand beside you, with My arms underneath you, carrying you each step of the way. Cling to My side and feel My presence, My dear one. Worry not, for I intercede on your behalf, and I will obtain healing, pardon, and mercy for you, My love. (End of message from Jesus.)
Ministering Spirit of Comfort
101. (Jesus
speaking:) I have sent My precious ministering spirit of comfort to your
side, to be with you in this time of great trial. She will remain by
your side constantly until you have no further need of her. Let her take your
head and rest it upon her soft bosom. Let her stroke your hair and whisper My
Words in your ear. She is full of faith, for she has seen My promises fulfilled
every time, and she will give you that faith and that peace.
102. I know of her great usefulness, for she came to Me when I was tempted and
tossed. She held My head steady and whispered in My ear the promise of
things to come. She reminded Me of My Father's Words, and through them I gained
faith to carry on. I've sent her to you now, My beloved, and I know she will be
a wonderful strength to you in this time of trial. She works closely with the
Holy Spirit and receives power and her gifts from Her, and is sent when you
need her. When she comes to be with you, you are her full concentration and
focus. You can ask for her at any time.
103. My precious one, the moments are numbered; they're not
endless, neither do they run by uncounted. They're all measured, and each
one that passes is one less that you will ever have to endure again. These
moments of affliction-though precious, and though they give you something that
cannot be gained any other way-are hard to endure, so I have carefully counted
them, and as they pass, they are never to return again.
104. So rest now with the beautiful spirit of comfort that I've sent to
you. Rest in her arms, and trust that these moments of affliction will
pass. As they pass, they will leave precious droplets of My Spirit-of wisdom,
compassion, brokenness, humility, grace, and strength in weakness. Each of
these little droplets is priceless, and you have been blessed with so many. So
rest now as these droplets descend upon you. Trust that I'm counting the
moments and that they will soon be gone.
105. I love you, My precious one. I will hold and sustain you, and will give you all that you need. (End of message from Jesus.)
