Recent pain has been causing me an issue. That’s right PAIN.

I try not to talk about it all the time, but it hurts almost all the time.

For over 6 weeks now I have been dealing with pain in my right shoulder and sometimes my left shoulder has sympathy pain just to make sure it’s not left out!

But really, girls, I’m ok and I know that this will pass. I have to do things differently until I am healed and today God said “shift your focus”. 

shift your focus

Focus on joy rather than pain!

Focus on peace rather than chaos.
Focus on others rather than yourself.
Focus on thanksgiving rather than complaint.

Right there in my trusty chair that has held me up a lot over the last six weeks the Word of God spoke clearly to my heart. Shift your focus. Rather than focusing on your pain, focus on the joy that is present and even the joy that has come from your pain! And furthermore, the joy that will come!

“12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 12:13

For those who may not think this is a “fiery ordeal” that is testing me let me explain just a little. A major part of the ministry that God called me to involves teaching physical fitness classes every week. When you are out there asking others to strengthen their faith and fitness you want to do it with them! Donna and I both are dealing with injuries and it left us wondering was God redirecting? Did we hear Him wrong? Thankfully, He hears our prayers and continues to direct us on the present path. He’s just asked us to shift our focus. We can still attend every class, encourage our girls to push toward their goals, demonstrate how to deal with an injury. And just last week when a forever FF girl circled us together and grasped hands and lifted prayer, my tears flowed freely because God said, “I’ve got this, I love you. Embrace my JOY, let it see your through your pain.”

Another major part of our ministry is writing, or typing, as I am doing now. And it’s been painful. But as a shift my focus I see God showing me time to read what others are writing for me and my heart! Oh, thank you Lord for others you call to write and speak! Here’s my cup….fill it to overflowing! (Pop over to my friend Meredith…she’s amazing! http://meredithbernard.com/when-your-life-is-your-ministry-and-you-dont-even-know-it/ )

This morning shift your focus!
Focus on joy rather than pain.
Focus on peace rather than chaos.
Focus on others rather than yourself.
Focus on thanksgiving rather than complaint.
Focus on Jesus rather than the world.
Focus on eternal rather than temporary.

"Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth" Colossians 3:2 Photo: www.revelife.com

“Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” Colossians 3:2
Photo: www.revelife.com


“Set your eyes”. Focus. Focus on the things that are above. The things that are not of this earth. UNFAILING LOVE of an EVER LOVING God that is completely focused on loving you!

Your pain my be different from mine. I’ve only told you of a physical pain. You may be struggling emotionally and physically. God is there for you. Focus on Him! He is there saying, “I’ve got this, I love you.” Allow me to pray for you. Leave a comment with one word or your whole story. I’d love to focus on praying for you.

~ Jodie

Linking today with the beautiful ladies at http://meredithbernard.com/

Linking today with the beautiful ladies at http://meredithbernard.com/

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