Return and Be Restored With Dignity!

"Failure and disappointment plague us all... it is how we deal with it that sets us apart."

Was I disappointed that the women's prison shut-down the teaching topic "Does God Care About My Intimate Relationships - Within My Sex Life?" Absolutely!
I wasn't expecting to have the whole Relationship series cancelled, nor did I see it coming. All I know is that women today struggle daily with these issues. God's idea of love, sex, marriage, identity and relationships are completely screwed up in today's world. The church has not done a good job of reaching out with Christ's love to those who are incarcerated and struggling with these issues. These wounds go deep and need to be healed by God's grace. No matter how deep your pit of failure - Jesus' love goes deeper still.

The Godly counsel of others is imperative during times such as these. Prayers, scripture verses and encouragement was my comfort. I kept reminding myself as well as coaching our team, not to miss a moment to grow in faith and character during this trial. I had a close friend ask me; "Shug, don't you feel defeated?" "Actually I never felt defeated - just blindsided. God has a divine purpose for this trial and I don't want to miss it."

Was I about to have a firing range pointing at me from either side? 
On one side - were the prison officers looking for one wrong comment or move with the possibility of permanently canceling our church ministry? From the other - would the inmates be upset that the "Sex, Homosexuality and Marriage" talks that they personally requested were not going to be addressed? As a Christian, I desired to submit to God's authority and keep the peace at all costs.

"Our greatest glory consists of not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall." (O. Goldsmith)

We have an army of prison prayer warriors that were praying specifically for us and this ministry issue. Having faith in God's promises carries us through these tough times. Through prayers and God's leading a newly created topic was created: "RISE-UP and Be Restored With Dignity!" (Of course, God spoke deeply to me while preparing this message.)


I was restored and ready in Christ and as soon as I entered the prison things seemed to be different. Had I entered the right prison? This did not seem like the same prison where the officers abruptly cancelled our sex talk mid-stream (and proceeded to write up seven offenses  for our ministry). There was not one officer, not one objection and not one disruption. The dark veil of oppression was gone. I could not believe the calm and peace that permeated the room. 

Had the pressure lifted because Satan left the prison in temporary victory  OR  had our Savior gone before us to calm the turbulent waters? I rest in this promise...

"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed... the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever!   2 Timothy 4:17

Shug

How To Return and Be Restored After Disappointment?

Friends, are we surprised Satan has asked permission to sift us like wheat? God wants to strengthen us and deepen our faith. Don't drown in disappointment and miss the opportunity for God to deepen your faith and build your character. God uses persecution to promote the church.

• In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for Himself for God's will to be done. I believe most likely, Jesus also prayed for Peter's upcoming failures. (Matthew 26)
• Jesus then restored Peter to Himself and His ministry. (John 21:15-25)
• Peter went on to become the "Rock" on which Christ built the Church. (Matthew 16:18)

"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." (Romans 8:33-34) 

So, what are you waiting for? Will you allow Jesus to restore you to Himself and His ministry?

Immediately, carve out time to be alone with God, bow on your knees and get busy.

Just like He did with Peter, Jesus will restore you to Himself and build up your prison ministry.

No matter what the disappointment or failure... return and be restored my friend, for you are on the edge of something great for God!

Restored and Ready In Christ,

Shug

Will I Be "Fluid" In Failure and Disappointments?

Fluid! That's what I need to be when serving in prison ministry.
Flexibility is too rigid!


Am I prepared to be fluid when... 


... I never know how many inmates will attend? 
... someone blurts out an unrelated question in the middle an important point? 
... abruptly, church stops for a recount in the prison. 
... unexpectedly, the message causes a prison disturbance and gets shut down? 



To be fluid... means being bathed in prayer, trusting in the Holy Spirit's leading and learning from the ups and downs of serving on the front lines. Please don't be permanently discouraged when things seem like a failure. The root of the problem could be from a variety of things:

1. The enemies persecution 
2. Prison protocol (I'm learning to trust it.) or...
3. It could be YOU!

If it is the latter, don't flee, turn away from God and become discouraged... pick yourself back up by returning to Christ in repentance and restoration. Repentance is a privilege and always draws us in close intimacy with God.

In my case, the Intimate Relationship Series has been suspended and the upcoming Homosexuality message is discontinued because of inmate disruption and safety. It's a challenge to be "fluid"... in disappointment and feelings of failure. This is a portion of the prayer I prayed this week:

"Father, soften my heart to be moldable in your hands as I learn to be fluid in disappointments. 
Have mercy on me.

...restore unto me the joy of your salvation and uphold me in your free Spirit
I love you Lord.. may your will be done not mine.

In the powerful name of Jesus I pray."
Amen