FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Dear Team Christi,

Next month will be two years since my husband, Mylon, graduated to heaven. I’m in awe of God’s sustaining grace in our most trying times. THANK YOU for continuing on this new path with me. The unknown can be challenging but when you have faith family cheering you on, it makes all the difference! (WATCH our first program with my faith sisters, Carolyn Savelle and Nancy Dufresne airing this week.)

This ministry is committed to move forward by faith. We’re launching our NEW INTRO for On the Road to Freedom on September 7th. Before anyone else sees it, I’m excited to share it with you FIRST! (Be on the lookout in next month’s letter…) John 8:31-32 remains our purpose and the TV broadcast format will also be the same, filming outdoors in the most beautiful locations on the planet. But you may notice updated graphics/details to reflect the vision God’s given me.

Change is always required when we step into a new season. But to be completely transparent with you, there were moments in the past 23 months when I wasn’t sure if I had the strength mentally, emotionally and physically to continue. Now, as we turn the page and enter the next chapter, I can joyfully testify, I’m experiencing God’s amazing grace on a level I didn’t know was possible! His power is at work in us, strengthening us when we don’t think we can stand.

Have you ever felt “worn out” by the stress and pressures of this life?

According to Psalms 84, God’s best is for us to go from STRENGTH to STRENGTH. Verse five says, ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬“Blessed…is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” Woohoo! Did you get that? The Blessing comes on those who know their strength is NOT in themselves. Mylon’s departure has been the most humbling experience; it’s become (almost embarrassingly) obvious how completely dependent I am on God. But at the same time, I’m more aware of His sufficient grace than ever before.

When our heart commits to passionately pursue His presence, (which are the “highways to Zion”) there’s great reward. Psalms 84:6-7 AMPC says, ‬‬“Passing through the Valley of Weeping, THEY MAKE IT a place of springs; the early rain also fills [the pools] with blessings. They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power].” Oh my goodness, I LOVE THIS. Did you notice “they make it” a place of blessing instead of sorrow. This verse reveals that a holy decision to trust God and seek His presence is what turns our brokenness into blessing. So many times we think we’re waiting on God when God’s waiting on us.

When we encounter trials, God’s endgame is to “strengthen and harden us to difficulties.” (Isaiah 41:10) This reminds me of my new strength training routine. I started with a seven pound weight in each hand, then ten, now twelve and my current goal is fifteen pounds. Here’s what I’ve noticed, although uncomfortable (and sometimes painful) to my flesh, as the weight increases, I’M GETTING STRONGER. I’m thrilled to reach the target of lifting all my luggage on my own now that Mylon’s in heaven.

Psalm 84:11 promises, “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Please get this: GOD IS A GIVER. He’s not withholding any good thing from you! John 3:16 confirms, “God so loved that He gave…” We’re called to be imitators of God just as children imitate their parents. (Ephesians 5:1) Our highest aim by which all others are accomplished: TO BE LIKE JESUS! So, it should also be said of us, “Bob so loved that he gave. Susie so loved that she gave.” The world is filled with two kinds of people: the GIVERS and the TAKERS. I don’t know about you but I want to be known as a giver. Not only a giver financially, but also a forgiver, a giver of kindness, mercy and grace.

As you sow your precious seed this month, you’re making the choice to be a giver. Let’s decree together, “My strength is not in myself. My strength is in God. As I pursue His presence, this hard place is becoming my blessed place. As I go from strength to strength, trusting in the Lord, I will never miss out on anything good!”

From strength to strength,

Christi

P.S. Please let your friends and family know about On the Road to Freedom, available 24/7 FREE on demand at mylon.org. SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL for new episodes each week including our new Healed Heart with Christi Podcast. Thank you for your faithful giving that provides this teaching at no charge to those who desperately need to know how good God is and how much He loves them!