Pain comes in many shapes and sizes—it may be a hot flash to a total meltdown for some. It may be the pain from not seeing a child to losing one. It may be seeing an adult child making wrong choices to a number of real challenges that we can face in life. Pain for you may be the loss of a spouse, friend, or family member. It may be the memory of kneeling at an airport for a last kiss from someone you haven’t seen in a long time. Another’s pain may be feeling like they want to kill someone for destroying their family with an affair, to the pain of not knowing if a son or daughter will make it home from the military. 

Criticism is another thing that can produce pain—and we would do well to remember this: The words of another person that are critical are a reflection of what is inside their heart—not yours. Don’t allow criticism to crush your spirit. 

Pain is very real—and not many understand it until they’ve been there. Pain eventually comes to all. Pain comes with disappointment and anger. Anger is always buried alive and will always resurrect itself. Learn how to deal with what caused the anger–the root cause of which is unmet expectations and unresolved issues. 

In the midst of pain, God is with us. While pain is real, God’s peace is more real. 

Our pain positions and aligns us in need of God. When we choose to turn to God, even in the midst of despair, we will find healing, hope, and a heart to reach out to others. We are positioned and empowered to lead others out of the depths of pain into their God-given purpose and to share the love of Christ. It is in our deepest pain where we discover our purpose. 

“God’s Priceless Treasure” is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. and will help you understand and give you practical ways of moving from pain to purpose. 

Failure does not make any of us a failure. Learn how to overcome challenges, be transformed, and know your God-given purpose.

Even in the midst of pain, you may be the person who likes to have the last word—you can say “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you.”

God’s Word has the final say over whatever you are facing. God has the final word over your life. Choose to trust Him. Make the choice to turn to Him and allow His love to sweep over your heart for healing and to position you into divine alignment—where everyday life can become an amazing adventure. You can make it with God. 

Choose to have an amazing day….knowing God has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Deborah Starczewski

 *(This blog previously appeared in God’s Priceless Treasure, published by Creation House Press/Charisma Media 2010.)

I WILL WAIT FOR YOU…LORD…

Are you waiting for a husband or wife? Are you waiting to hear the news that you are pregnant? What about the news that you are able to finally adopt a child? Are you waiting beside a hospital bed? Are you waiting for that new position to open or God to open doors like He has put in your heart? Are you waiting for someone to do the right thing? 

Do you like to wait? I have learned that waiting is what we do most in life. Choose to worship while you wait. Say with me…..

“I will wait for You Lord..my hope is in You because You are my refuge. All the day long, I choose to worship and choose not to be shaken by trial or storm.”

Choose to worship the Lord today. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart.

Take time to be still and be quiet in the Presence of the Lord—listen to worship music and know that He has gone before you to make every crooked place straight. He sees all and knows all. He divinely connects and His plan will not be stopped—by any demon, evil system, or person on earth.

When all else seems to fail you, He will not fail you. When your world is shaken, don’t budge off of God’s Word. His love brings life. It is God who amazes us—He alone is worthy of our praise. He amazes us with His overwhelming love and His divine plan—as we watch it unfold right before our eyes. 

Rest in God—fully knowing His plan will unfold just as He has spoken. Don’t be moved by feelings—be moved by faith. 

Just as the waves splash upon the seashore, God will come through for you. 

We choose to be overwhelmed by the love of God, by Jesus, the Most beautiful—who brings all things into divine order and positioning. Lord, renew us and consume us with Your love. Where there is love, there is life.

We trust You Lord. Our prayer today. 

Serving the Most High,

Deborah Starczewski

Jesus provided all the legal authority we need to overcome satan. Our job is to exercise that authority and invade the enemy’s territory, declare to him what the eviction notice says, and throw his furniture out on the side of the road—slamming the door in his face. 

Much like a restraining order that can be issued that forbids a person to get too close to you, the cross of Jesus Christ is your restraining order to keep satan off your back so you can live in the light of Jesus Christ and who you are in Him. 

Don’t perform like some kind of circus animal who has a ball and chain on its leg. Don’t drag the chains from hell around like designer baggage. The church is not built by Christ to perform like a puppet while Satan and his hordes from hell eat popcorn watching the show. 

Christ has delegated His incomparable authority to us to operate in His power and authority and it is time we rise up, obey His marching orders, and run the devil out of our homes and cities. It is time for you to pull that peg out of the ground, that stake where the devil has claimed territory, and begin walking and talking, and acting like who you are IN CHRIST. We have been set free in Him (John 8:32).

Instead of worrying, choose to worship while you wait. Watch God turn the battle into a blessing—for the world to see. He is making an overcomer out of you–which holds the highest reward from God in the Book of Revelation. Amen!

DEBORAH STARCZEWSKI