Every morning God is waiting on me when I wake up knowing all that lies before me in my day. He awaits for me to let him speak into my heart what I will need to stay close to him, the source of life. If the blog is a blessing to you, would you share it with someone you know? I'm in Isaiah 49:19-26 today. Let God speak it to you, too. Go ahead, open your Bible and listen.
This statement is jumping off the page at me today . . .
Then you will say in your heart, 'Who bore me these [children]? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. Who brought these [new blessings] up? I was left all alone, but these--where have they come from?'" (v. 21)
There is nothing quite like the surprise of new blessings, new life after a long, hard period of spiritual, emotional or relational drought. At some point in the endurance of pain, loneliness or loss we start to accept the present lows as the new norm of our lives. What has been torn from us seems insurmountable. We wonder how our lives could have come to this. It just doesn't fit the dreams we had. In those barren places, God seems so distant and mysterious. Our confusion about him is only equalled by our disappointment. And that's when our faith is really tested. Will we continue to trust him when it doesn't seem to be paying off? For many people the answer is no. For me, the answer has always been yes. But my worship comes with pain and questions that are rarely answered.
And then comes the day when suddenly a fresh wind begins to blow into my life. I look around and discover that the sun is piercing through the clouds. The flowers are blooming and sporting their brilliant colors. Amazing new blessings are springing up and surprising me with their arrival! They are so often things that I never could have foreseen or expected. And as I look back I am in wonder of how the rough path I'd been traveling has led me to such intriguing new possibilities. I'm thinking, "Where in the world did this come from?"
Then I remember, it came from you, God. You had it in mind all along. While I was doubting and questioning and disappointed with you, you were loving and empathizing and thinking of your good plans for me. When I listen more carefully, I hear you saying all along, "Be patient. Stay with me. This barren wildernesss will eventually grow into a breath-taking oasis." I find it hard to believe at the time, but then you always surprise me with more than I could have imagined. You are so awesome, God, and faithful to keep your promises!
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Chris, this entry was so refreshing to read and very near and dear to my heart! There have been many times in my spiritual journey that I have felt that God has left me here all alone, left me to my own devices. As if nothing would ever change and I would have to figure it out all on my own. Life can be so mundane and lifeless if we allow ourselves to settle in with these feelings and remain stuck there.
ReplyDeleteTrusting God even when our world seems desolate
is what our life of faith is all about! Trusting that God has a plan for me and that, in his time, he will bring his plan to fruition is what has gotten me through some very lonely and dark times.
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you:, says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Waiting upon the Lord can be the hardest thing that we, as human beings, will ever have to do.......but, is the only way to receive God's plan to the fullest. And when God's plan unfolds, you will never regret for a second that you waited upon him!! I have been utterly amazed at what God has in store and knocked down to my knees in thankfulness to him for his surprise blessings! It is true that God is able to do more than we can ever ask or imagine. Faith is tested in the times of disappointment and drought.....which is what refines us and prepares us for what God has in store!
Thank you Lord, that you have never given up on me and that even when I have wanted to give up on you, you have spoken peace and hope into my heart. Thank you Lord, for the blessings that you have had in mind for me all along and the excitement that each one brings to my life. Thank you for times of loneliness, because without them I would not have learned to depend on you solely. Help me Jesus, to never forget your amazing love for me and the joy that you have given to me! Your blessings continue to outweigh what I could have ever imagined or hoped for!!
Thank you, Chris, for this reminder and refreshing entry!
Michele
Wow, what a great testimony! Thank you for sharing what you did and bringing even more hope to us all.
ReplyDeleteand I received a double blessing with this day's posting! The encouragement we give and receive from one another is also part of God's amazing plan to redeem and hold His people close. Thank you Chris, and thank you Michele for that ensightful comment!
ReplyDeleteK. Bootsman