Rising

      

If you pour yourself out for the hungry and
satisfy the desire of the afflicted,

then shall your light rise in the darkness and

your gloom be as the noonday.  
Isaiah 58:10

 

Dear Sister-friend,

I have been memorizing Isaiah 58:10 because today because it has penetrated my mind and soul in a fresh way.

Over the last several years I have been praying for a breakthrough concerning my own inner battle with gloom.  There had been a gloom that had hovered over my relationship with my two of my children.  I had become weary of trying to pour love, encouragement and help into hearts that seemed equivalent to pouring water into a basket.  Ironically, my own heart needed some sewing up.

As a result of not wanting to "mess up' anymore I withdrew and became silent.  Being an extrovert, silence can easily turn to distance and coldness.  However, this was not the answer and I knew that I was not to give up.

Due to the encouragement and the inspiration of my mom’s Facebook prayer group instead of withdrawing into myself … I withdrew into the arms of my loving heavenly Father.  Instead of striving … I sat at the feet of my Lord.  Instead of trying so hard to pour out … I took the time to allow the Lord to pour in.

With renewed spiritual strength, taking care of some physical issues and rest … today for the first time in years … I jumped into the pool with my kids and we had fun.   The noonday sun shone brightly upon us and the light of Christ penetrated the shadows. 

Your Turn

Ask the Lord to lead you to a group of sister-friends who will pray with you, encourage you and provoke you to a deeper walk with the Lord.  But most of all … as one of my favorite preachers Pastor Ben Krandell drilled into our mind and soul with his southern draw … “Never ever … Never ever … give up!”

Loving Father,
I praise You!  Thank you for endurance and the Holy Spirit given grit that doesn’t allow us to give up and for Sister-friends who inspire. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

"O death, where is your victory? 

O death, where is your sting?"

But, thanks be to God who gives

the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55,57 ESV