 Over the last several weeks we have focused on the topic of affliction and its varied impacts on our lives. We discussed the numerous sources of our afflictions, the unhealthy and healthy coping mechanisms we deploy, the guilt and the shame of our afflictions, and the sources of comfort during the affliction. This week we will take a look at learning from our afflictions. I honestly believe that although they can often seem unfair and burdensome, some of our afflictions are bestowed upon us for the spiritual maturity and growth of ourselves and others. Take a moment to think back on a time when you handled an affliction in your life. Now recall honestly how you handled it. Come on…keep it real with yourself, there’s just you and me here…and I can’t read your thoughts. Did your attitude in the affliction reflect faith or disbelief? When others from your inner circle, or even those on the outside looking in watched you, what did your actions state to them? They were either inspired by your faith as it ministered to them, or discouraged by your lack of faith. It’s not always going to be easy managing an affliction, but you can truly learn to trust the Lord and allow Him to guide you through. Your test turned into your testimony can be a message ministered to someone who needs it. Don’t discount the trial or the lesson to be learned in it. What words are coming from your mouth? Are you affirming your faith through the words that you speak, or are you poisoning your atmosphere with negative energy? My husband often reminds those around him, “Remember whatever you put out is what you will receive.” He has drilled this into my head quite often, and even as I write this I’m laughing internally, because all day long, I was not focused on this vital lesson he has taught me. I’ve put out negative energy about being tired and having too much to do, instead of thanking the Lord for the opportunities and the blessings that lie before me. The thought process my husband teaches us, aligns with my Bishop’s favorite Scripture, Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Sometimes it’s easy for us to get stuck in the past on what happened to us, what we’ve been going through for a while, and how things will ever change, if at all. We have difficulty believing that there is something greater in store for us on the other side. Yet, allowing your faith to grow and learning to trust in Him will allow your spirit of expectancy to grow. Almighty God does not want you to suffer, but to look forward to what He’s able to bring you through. Sometimes it’s done for His glory, but you must raise your level of expectancy, which allows Him to open doors and do great new things on your behalf. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19) Understanding why you have been burdened with an affliction may not always be easy to comprehend. Yet, you can choose to know the Lord knows what He’s doing even when you don’t. It’s at these times that you have to deposit a token of faith into your faith bank account. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6). No matter what situation you’re going through, it won’t necessarily last forever. It’s been placed in your life for a specific time and purpose. Learn what you’re supposed to learn while going through, and believe that it’s going to work out for your good. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) While going through and being delivered from your afflictions there are a few things to learn.
I hope that you have enjoyed this four-part series on afflictions. If you have missed any portion of the series, you can read them by clicking the links below. Thank you for joining me on this journey. My latest release, A Woman’s Design: Afflictions deals with three best friends, Ambiance, Naomi and Paige, who are dealing with afflictions they have been burdened with in different ways. While some try to hold on to their faith in the Lord, others will see their faith tested. They are dealing with infidelity, sexual promiscuity, and single parenthood. Their stories are the stories of many women across the land. How they handle it will define their outcome in the end. As a way to thank you for following this teaching series on afflictions I am offering the book for sale this week for $0.99. Click the link below to purchase it. A WOMAN’S DESIGN: AFFLICTIONS Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! To join this blog simply click "Follow This Blog," "Subscribe," or "Email" links in the upper right corner. About Chelle Ramsey... Women's fiction author and blogger, Chelle Ramsey brings a refreshing perspective into the lives of her readers and wants them to find entertainment, healing and inspiration in each novel. Using real problems and challenges faced by ordinary people, Chelle wants readers to become empowered to rise above life's adversities, with faith in God, and belief in themselves. Her stories are relatable to individuals of diverse demographics, who have suffered a loss, been hurt, have low self-esteem, have lost hope, or need a word of encouragement. She strives to take your emotions on a roller coaster ride, one page at a time. Chelle holds an MBA in Human Resource Management, which she puts to use in her Human Resources role by day, while she writes her fiction novels at night. And in her spare time, she’s a blogger, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her most important roles are those of a wife and mother of three. During her “me time,” she becomes enraptured with the enthralling stories of Terry McMillan, Nora Roberts, James Patterson and Stuart Woods. Chelle Ramsey resides in a rural community in Atlanta, Georgia and enjoys writing, family time, and watching NBA games. She hosts the annual 20 Days of Love authors’ blogging campaign, March Madness authors’ giveaways campaign, and showcases other authors on her blog at www.chelleramsey.com/beautifully-inspired-blog. Her novels can be found online at Chelle Ramsey Amazon. LINKS: WEB: www.chelleramsey.com EMAIL: chelleramseywrites@gmail.com FACEBOOK: ChelleWrites TWITTER: @UndeniablyChell PINTEREST: ChellesBooks INSTAGRAM: UndeniablyChelle 
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October 2017
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