– Secret Place Insights –
NEW POST: Last fall, when I snapped the above photo, I was walking, albeit, not to well. I was in therapy, trying to break in a new knee replacement. That morning I took the picture, along with several others, I had no idea of how I might make use of it. I simply thought that in our lives we occasionally have times when we feel stuck – with no way out of a situation. So, I surmised that the photo might have a use at some point. Soon after that, my life took a drastic change. Now when I spot the sign on our road, I wonder…will I be given a way out, or not?
I’d like to believe that the sign does not represent my thinking, but I have to admit that I am experiencing more than just an occasional fear. I am scared, I try not to be, but I am. Oh, I am not afraid of death, no. God’s Holy Heaven waits for every true believer, and if I am nothing else, I am that. God has left me with no doubt of His existence and the Truth of His Word. So, I am not threatened by death. But I appear to be losing my ability to walk or stand without intolerable pain. It makes most any simple physical task an exhausting effort, even something as simple as taking a shower.
Do I trust God, yes. I trust Him to be with me through whatever lies ahead. That is God’s promise – according to Scripture. Mine role is to honor and glorify Him in ALL of life’s circumstances.
I fear that dealing with severe physical constraints might cause my comfort to become the primary focus of my life rather than Jesus’ last instructions, “Therefore go and make disciples…” Matthew 28:19 NIV So, I am fighting a battle within the walls of my home. And so far, I am doing okay…most of the time. For God is keeping His promise, not only through His presence, but also though the encouragement of Christian friends and acquaintances. Such a wondrous help.
Just this week, someone I rarely connect with told me that God had called her to pray for me. She wondered what was up. Another said that, as of late, I had been on her heart; she wondered about me too, and sent to me a single word, “Abide.” And lastly, another sent me the following:
Abide with Me
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs our life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see —
O Thou who changest not abide with me.
Lyrics – Henry F. Lyte 1847
The reminder of God’s abiding reminded me that through His faithfulness, I would remain faithful too. And with that thought came these words:
Surely, Lord, if You will abide with me,
I will keep the faith to abide with Thee.
During this morning’s reading, I came across this:
“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character hope.” Romans 5:2a-4 NIV
Blessings,
Susanne
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