Undiminished represents one standing firm regardless of trials and tribulations. Allowing their light to shine that all may see the glory of the Father reflected by them.
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 (AMP)
Diminished is defined as “to make or cause to seem smaller, less, less important, etc.; lessen; reduce. to detract from the authority, honor, stature, or reputation of; disparage.” You have been through circumstances that sought to diminish you, but you have stood fast – refusing to cave in, give up, or be broken down. The Lord sees you. He sees the trials and pain. He has been and continues to be glorified in your steadfastness.
Just as gold is refined through fire, diamonds are created under pressure, and stones smoothed by sand and water, your trials have strengthened and refined you. In your weak moments, His strength has sustained you. It is difficult when we are not able to be strong in our own power, it is humbling to have to acknowledge that we are not strong enough, but the brokenness and humility that is found in that place glorifies the Father in a much greater capacity that we truly realize.
So let your heart be encouraged! No moment of pain or pressure has gone unseen by the Lord. He is with you always and as you have clung to His hand, it has blessed Him.
{sensing} The Father smiling down at you as He clutches your hand tightly, His other hand smoothing His fingers over your head in a tender, familiar manner. You are His precious child, and as hard as it has been for you to walk through the trials, it has been harder still for Him to watch. Yet He is so proud of you, thus the tender smile on His face.
Father, thank You that You stand beside us through all things. Help us to stand firm, be on guard, be strong and courageous, unwavering in faith. Thank You for Your strength when we are weak so that we might have the endurance needed to be resilient in trials. We choose to rejoice and allow You to do a perfect work in us. To You be all the glory!
When I saw the announcement of the release of this piece in my email this morning, I was so blessed! I instantly felt a connection to the art- soothed and empowered, and was blessed further by reading the accompanying word. Reading the definition of the word ‘diminished’ was like reading my worn down heart. The reminder that despite natural circumstances, worldly labels, and well meaning but hurtful comments by others- but yet the Father stands within the crucible with me and holds my hand, was the encouragement I needed. Thank you Megahn for your continuing faithfulness in creating as the Father leads and leaving letters of love, encouragement, peace, and str
When I saw the announcement of the release of this piece in my email this morning, I was so blessed! I instantly felt a connection to the art- soothed and empowered, and was blessed further by reading the accompanying word. Reading the definition of the word ‘diminished’ was like reading my worn down heart. The reminder that despite natural circumstances, worldly labels, and well meaning but hurtful comments by others- but yet the Father stands within the crucible with me and holds my hand, was the encouragement I needed. Thank you Megahn for your continuing faithfulness in creating as the Father leads and leaving letters of love, encouragement, peace, and strength 😉👍😘
Yay! I am SO glad you were blessed 🙂 God is so good!!!