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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Cup - 10-25-12 Deadline (10/18/12)
Several years ago, I prayed God would enlarge my territory (1 Chronicles 4:10). At the time, I knew I would endure some valleys to get to my Promised Land. However, I did not realize the intensity of them, nor did I imagine the opposition from my enemies I would face in the midst of walking through them, but God is faithful. In my lifetime, God has truly allowed me to be in the presence of people who truly did not have my best interests at heart, but He has allowed my cup to overflow with His Presence. (Psalm 23:5).

Recently, I have been struggling with depression. In my heart, I expected for my cup to be overflowing in abundance in certain areas of my life. To be honest, there have been days I did not feel like getting out of bed because of my unfulfilled expectations. I know Christ conquered a horrifying death to allow me to live in abundance.

Going through this valley, I developed a negative mindset which led to my depression and struggle to move forward. God met me where I was and spoke to me in His Presence. He reminded me that in my hard times, my cup is overflowing spiritually- with His Presence and Provision.

He revealed to me many people have prayed as I did, for Him to increase their territory, but only a few have made the commitment to follow Him-through the valleys and mountains- to receive the cup of abundance He has for them (Mt. 16:24, Lk. 9:23). At this point, I realized I am one of His few servants who chooses to endure the work He has for me; because I have faith the harvest will be plentiful in the end (Mt. 9:37-38, Lk.10. 2-3).

According to Scripture, God’s desire is to have my cup overflow in every aspect of my life, but my spirit and my heart must be clean to receive all He has for me. Before He will allow my cup to completely overflow with the blessings He has promised me, His Character must be developed in me so I can be fully equipped for what He has in store for me In order for my character to be more like His, He has me going through a pruning process so the Fruit of the Spirit can be on display through me (John 15:1-11, Gal. 5:22-23). This pruning process is not easy, but I know it is necessary; because God is serious about how He is represented through His children. The main desire of my heart is be an excellent reflection of who He is. Due to the call He has placed on my life, I know He requires much from me because I know I will be the only Bible people will see (Lk. 12:48).

With this knowledge, I know He expects generosity and selflessness from me. I am thankful with His grace and the Holy Spirit He enables me to pursue those characteristics to be a reflection of Him to those who may not know Him. I believe He expects this from all of His children. I know His requirement for me is to fulfill His expectation to give the best of everything He has provided me with, then once I have proven myself faithful, in His time, He will trust me with more than what I prayed for and desire in my heart (Lk. 6:38, Eph. 3:20).

This valley I am walking through is hard, but I know I am not alone. With His strength, grace, and mercy, I will not give up; because my desire is to fulfill His Purpose for my life. With His strength, I will strive to accomplish this goal in my life.

I know obtaining this goal will not be easy. I am human, saved by grace, and a work in progress. To be honest, it is a struggle to remain positive and combat negative thoughts in hard times, but I choose to trust Him. I choose to believe He will allow my cup to overflow in abundance so my life in the natural realm will reflect what has already been done in the spiritual realm (Phil. 1:6, 4:7-9).

With His grace and guidance, I will fulfill His desire for me is to have my cup overflow with joy in the midst of my trials while rising above my circumstances, and not living beneath them (2 Cor. 8:2, Deu. 28:13).
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynn Smith
10/25/12
I like how you emphasized that we must trust in God. If we don't, how can we move forward? All things will work out for good for those who trust and love him. :)May God bless you in your work for him.

C D Swanson 
10/25/12
Loved the message, loved the entry...and I love how obvious your love is for God. Thank you...God bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/31/12
This is a courageous testimonial. Many people suffer from depression and are ashamed or want to keep it hidden. God will guide us through the dark times if only we allow His light to lead the way. I'm glad you shared your story and believe it will touch others as well. good job.