There is no normal life, it’s just life.

  “There's no normal life Wyatt, It's just life. Get on with it.”  ― Val Kilmer as "Doc" Holliday   To give them hope, dig them out of a funk or to help them heal from some shame or regret they may be experiencing. You cannot ever judge someones journey and experiences against another's for no two are exactly the same from conception to death. So stop looking to the next guy to gauge what you have or where you are in life because you can't compare the two as they are not the same things. There is no normal life, there's just life.    the Bible reminds us that all life comes from God, both physical and spiritual. God holds the power of life and death in His hands. The Bible also says that Jesus, the Son of God, is the Author of Life. Jesus Himself stated, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).  What we call Christianity was once called THE WAY.     It’s a different way of thinking.  Of operating. It’s counter cultural today.    When you are sitting around sad because the publisher clearing house guy didn’t come to your house, your child wants to be something they are not, the bills are so high you can’t pay attention, your spouse is giving you the blues, your take home pay can’t take you home, you want a vacation, but your money is funny.  Stuff just keeps. Going wrong even though you are doing right, remember that life is just life.     These times, like I am going through have changed me.  I’m doing things differently, I have a  deeper sense of self and purpose, a greater appreciation for life and loved ones, and an increased capacity for empathy and desire to act for the greater good. I care less about the minutia. Most things today are minutia.  TV sucks to me.  I can do without video games, pop culture is abhorrent.     I am having a hard time still being a caregiver.  But we all have our crosses to bear.  Talking about my problems is not attractive to me.  I can cry now at the sound of a lyric. I think my prayers are more sincere though. I am trying not to let my emotions rule. I listen to God more than I talk.  He is not disappointed or frustrated by our struggles, doubts or pain.  I don’t expect and have been disappointed in every therapist and doctor I have met in the past three years.  They are just people. Just like plumbers, electricians, contractors etc that you call and they do crappy work.  Just people.  We give them more power than we should.  And our dissapointed every time. Well at least I am.     the Bible says that our pain has a purpose.  Romans 5:3-5    Romans 8:26-27 — The Holy Spirit prays on our behalf. Sometimes our suffering is so intense that we can’t even find the words to pray. But our inability to form cohesive thoughts doesn’t frustrate God or derail his plan. The Holy Spirit takes our unspoken confusion and heartache to the Father, translating our tears into effective prayers: “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will” Romans 8:26-27 — The Holy Spirit prays on our behalf.   No matter how deeply you ache now, suffering has an expiration date: “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Revelation 21:3-4 — Our suffering will end in joy.  Our hard times won’t just get better — hardship will completely cease to exist someday! This passage isn’t wishful imagination. It’s an unshakeable promise of a real day when we’ll live with God and experience his complete restoration in heaven. There will be no more sin or brokenness, no more fear, loss or grief. There will just be freedom, joy and wholeness forever.  Just hold on and live.    Romans 8. Read the whole chapter, pray and soak in more radiant truths like these: Living in relationship with Jesus removes all condemnation from our lives (v. 1). The Holy Spirit sets us free from the control of sin and leads us to life and peace (vv. 5-6). We don’t need to fear because God is our Father (v. 15). What we suffer now can’t compare to the glory that’s coming (v.1 8). God transforms even the hardest things into tools for our ultimate good (v. 28). Absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God (v. 38).     I now know I didn’t know anything when I was a younger pastor.  My words of comfort were hollow.  If I h=did any good it was the Holy Spirit working through me.  I didn’t have the answers. I was still learning myself.  Well, I am taking the exam right now.  Maybe you are too. Stuff happens.  Family, friends, finances, people are dying, we are in various stages of grief, the country and our culture is self destructing, here’s the thing, you are not alone, you are not going through this ( I almost cussed) situation alone.  Someone somewhere knows exactly how you feel.  Someone somewhere is willing to listen.  And until you find them talk to God.  He will never leave you, nor forsake you, no matter what you think you have done against HIm. He is patient and long suffering. More than we are.  He knows your limitations. And you are probably stronger than you think you are.     34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.   Giving Links Thank you for listening, downloading and supporting the Speak Life Church and this podcast.    https://giv.li/p2nj61 Zelle  - [email protected] https://www.patreon.com/speaklifechurchpodcast You can support the ministry by check or money order by sending it to Speak Life Church, 14713 Kent Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Rev. Kenn Blanchard  [email protected] [email protected]  202-437-1972