Light in the Dark Valley
I was overwhelmed to tears at the caring comments I received from my I’m-in-a-dark-valley-pray-for-me post. After I wrote the post, I had to leave for the day (errands, dentist, house closing). I didn’t get back to the hotel until 8 pm to find you all reaching out to me in compassion, lovingly, without judgment and with precious comments of encouragement. What a blessing.
For days, I was experiencing a horrible battle, struggling to give my emotions to God, over and over. I listened to sermons, read Scripture, prayed, and studied, but my mind would drift while reading, my prayers were halted mid-sentence while anger arose deep inside. I was so weary.
Then you lifted me up. Throughout the day, I began feeling the peace I longed for. I was at the dentist with my sons, putting together puzzles, laughing at my children’s jokes. I was (for the first time in days) with them instead of “being there” wrapped up in bitter thoughts, feeling sorry for myself.
Later, at 6 pm we met with the closing agent and realtors to close on our home. There was an unexpected snag. We won’t be able to move in for three more weeks (i.e. stuck in a hotel with all our belongings packed, etc, etc.). At first I felt overwhelmed again, but I said a prayer, I asked my husband to handle it and took the children back to the hotel.
I felt a calm. We were listening to the children’s CD songs on the long drive. This song played in my mind all night:
God will take care of you,
through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you.I felt “back on course.” Praise God.
What a powerful lesson. When struggling in a spiritual battle and unable to get victory–ask for prayer from others! We need encouragement from one another. We are weak individuals. God commands us to bear one another’s burdens.
Under the Surface
Every time I face a trial that seems devastating under the surface, God is working out a plan for good in me and others. Under the surface–so much is going on, an ocean of wonderful, marvelous work, designs, and plans we cannot see. How many times does it take to remember to rejoice in trials? Apparently several more for thick-heads like me.
I recently bought a compact Bible for my purse. This morning I marked all the verses you all shared with me in green-colored pencil. In this Bible, green will be my encouragement color, reminding me of spiritual growth. Thanks to you, I can again experience God speaking to me through his living, powerful and active Word.
Personal Revival Begins with Brokenness
Nancy Leigh Demoss’s Seeking Him series begins with explaining that personal revival begins with brokenness. (I downloaded Nancy’s audio sermons to my MP3 player and listen daily–what a blessing!) I feel as if I’m in the process of being patched together. I will use this new found 3-week stay in a hotel room to focus on healing, praying for others, and following God’s will.
Out of the Mouths of Babes
God answered your prayer by giving me nuggets of encouragement through my day. While at the dentist we found my 6-year old has an extra tooth–right between his front top teeth. The dentist explained how rare it is. I said “Christopher, you are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. You have an extra tooth because you are special!” He replied in a matter-of-fact tone, “I know and I’m a miracle, too, because you had me when you were old.” I am so blessed. I find it hard to believe I was so discouraged 24 hours ago.
Thank you, dear sisters, for bearing my burdens and taking time out of your busy days to pray for me and writing me words of encouragement. The darkness lasts as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose.
Thank you for being a light to me in my darkness. Know I am praying for you too. We will watch together as God works in each of us shifting us to greater areas of service as we grow in faith.
Job 28:3 He setteth an end to darkness, and searcheth out all perfection.
