Each morning last week, I had the privilege of helping with a Kid's Camp at my church, Cornerstone. It was such a neat time of seeing young hearts with a desire to learn more about the Lord. What was even more encouraging is that as I poured out love to them, they in turn loved me back. It was a special reminder that my life is an example to a younger generation. Humbling thought.......generating a great calling to live in purity.
By the time evening came each day, most of those staying out at camp were completely exhausted. Before I headed to bed one night, I decided to spend some time alone with God down by the lake. As I walked to the cozy little swing positioned right near the edge of the water, the beautiful night sky caught my attention. Every few seconds the sky would light up....something like an electrical storm, I guess. As I watched this phenomena, the verse that kept going through my head was: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1
"Wow, I thought. The Maker of all this really loves me and is interested in my life. Oh Lord," I prayed, "Thank You for being in control."
Even though I knew that the Lord indeed was in control...my heart was still heavy. It was difficult for me to understand how God was working through some difficult circumstances that had arose in my life that week. Although I am not proud of my attitude that night, the prayer of my heart was: "God, I feel trapped and hindered by these circumstances. How can I bring You glory out of this? What is the purpose? I thought I was here to be used by You."
Do you ever feel that way? Have you ever wondered how could God possibly do any good out of a specific situation, physical state, difficult relationship, or....you fill in the blank. Have you ever assumed that God could use you much more efficiently if only He would change certain circumstances?
And as I sat on that swing, God began to impress upon my heart an important lesson. I felt as if He were sitting right next to me, whispering in my ear: "Hannah, look up at the lightening. It seems to have no purpose. It makes no noise, accomplishes no great thing, it comes out of nowhere and then disappears. What is its purpose? It really seems to have none whatsoever. But tonight, precious daughter, it has drawn you nearer to Me. It has reminded you that I am in control. Therefore, nothing is lost."
Tears came into my eyes. Just as the lightening seemed to have no purpose at all, so was it with the difficult circumstances I was facing that week. It was these very circumstances that were drawing me closer to the Father. Therefore, nothing was lost. Can you grab hold of that with me? Nothing, nothing, nothing is lost when the Father is in control. Nothing is lost in pain, death, trouble, loneliness, sickness, rejection, hurt.......all things work together for good in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:28)
In the past few days following that encouraging night, I have been recapping the times in which life was just......hard. I think back to my first semester in college, a time in which I felt as if I had "missed God's direction." Yet, it was during that time that I experienced a drawing near into my Father's warm embrace. It was a time that I experienced a divine rescue by my Lord Jesus. And just as He rescued me then, He has never failed to provide that same rescue in the uncertain times that have followed.
Tonight, I must be honest.....it's been difficult to put these thoughts down. I feel as if I have so much I want to share with you, but no words to write. I feel like I really want to pray for you. Is that okay? I have no idea who will be reading this entry, but I desire that you know Who is control no matter what circumstance you may be facing. So, this is the prayer of my heart for you today.
Lord Jesus, I thank You and praise You with all that is within me. What a comfort to know that You are truly in control. I am thankful that no hardship, no sickness, no worry, no difficult circumstance of any kind can separate Your precious love from those who are children of God. I pray for the precious heart reading this prayer tonight. I pray for Your divine healing touch over their heart today. I pray that in whatever circumstances present, Lord, that You will bring about a peace within their heart. For You, O Lord, have a purpose in ALL things. Therefore, nothing is lost. May you encourage even the depths of their being today with the promise that "all things work together for good." May you provide Godly encouragement for them this week. Lord God, I pray that you will draw them nearer to Your throne, nearer to Your presence. Help them to know today that You are for them, You love them with an everlasting love, and You will never abandon them. May they find hope in You alone, Father. Thank You for Your love and thank You for hearing us when we pray. I love you, Lord. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:37-39
Hannah Grace
I picked a promise for you today.
ReplyDeletePsalm 9: 10
And they that know thy name will put their in thee: for thou, Lord, has not forsaken them that seek thee.
Never doubt that God didn't use you, when we are faithful to do our best than we leave the outcome in His hands.