Second of all, I want to thank you all for this love you have shown me.
I also want to take this time to say how much I thank God for this opportunity to grow in faith, to change and mature, and to be a witness of God's incredible grace, mercy, kindness and healing and forgiveness to my atheist husband. This whole time, I've been holding on to a promise God made me one night last summer as I was sobbing on my hands and knees wondering whether I should just throw in the towel and get a divorce. I opened the Bible randomly and God led me to this passage : " Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household” (Acts 16:30-31).
I often wonder exactly what that means - when all this happened, I thought, "maybe that just means God will be with me and my children if we get a divorce" but I remember the context in which God led me to this passage, and I am taking it word for word. I believe firmly that God will save me and my family literally, spiritually, lovingly.
I feel the incredible transformations taking place in my heart, I see the incredible changes happening in my couple, and I praise the Lord! I remember that God's strength is best shown in our weaknesses - I am so weak and His glory can really shine through in keeping me strong!
Finally, I wanted to share two upper room readings I recently read that spoke to
Hope in the DarknessFor three days [Saul] was without sight.
SHORTLY after the stoning of Stephen, Saul was traveling to Damascus. A bright light surrounded him. Saul fell to the ground and heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Why do you persecute me?" The question was one Saul needed to hear.
To see God in a grand display of light would be easy, but can we find God in the darkness? Still, Saul's immediate response was not to rush off on his first missionary journey. Saul lost his vision and had no guarantee that it would return. He was left depending on his companions to lead him to Damascus, and he was blind until Ananias came forward to pray for him.
Yes, God was in the dazzling light, but God was also present in Saul's three days of darkness. God was in the question Saul heard, in his companions' guiding him to Damascus, and in the courageous, healing hands of Ananias.
God is present in our darkness too. God is in our friends who offer support when we need it. God is in the enemy we have trouble loving. God is the "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:12, kjv) that helps us know where to go from here.
Amy Fryar Kennedy (Michigan, U.S.A.)
 In dark places, remember that God offers a way out of the darkness. |
Now and Forever
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
SOME years ago I attended a clan reunion in a small village on the northern coast of Norway. As always when I visit this place, I am overwhelmed by the scenery: the very special light; the colors; the smell of seaweed and fish; the screams of the seagulls; and the sight of the mighty mountains.
One morning we strolled through the village and noticed that many changes had occurred over the years. Old, picturesque wooden houses had been replaced with new buildings. The site of my grandparents' former home had become a parking lot. I found many of the changes depressing. However, when I entered the top floor of my cousin's house, I had a different view of my surroundings. Looking toward the south, I saw a spectacular mountain on a small island out in the ocean. Toward the north I could see other beautiful mountains.
All that humans make will change, but the sea and the mountains seem to remain the same. This fills me with assurance and peace and reminds me of God's love and promises. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb. 13:8). Our environment is always subject to change, but we can remember that God is with us now and forever.
Laila Karin Geitz (Akershus, Norway)
| God prevails through all life's changes. |
2 comments:
The beauty of 'friends' is we want to help you carry your load. We know in our time of need you will take a piece of our sadness and pray for us, really care.
But I know how you feel, seems everything in my life lately has been sad or depressing. I finally had my eyes opened to really believe that He has a plan and if it varies from mine that is ok, things will be fine. I can look back in my darkness and see His light when I couldn't see it at the time.
You have been in my prayers. Thank you for this post, it really touched my heart.
p.s. Please tell Dianne I appreciate her post so much, I wanted to go post to her but her blog is private.
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