When we’re broken, and hurting, even our encouragement has to come in bite-sized pieces. —woundresser
I have not had the life I had always hoped and dreamed of in my younger years.
On the contrary, my journey over the years has mostly resembled a barren desert, or a rocky Emmaus-type-road.
And, I’ll confess this, too.
Many is the time I sat in church wishing my life were more like the greener grass on someone else’s hills.
Once, when I was speaking at a women’s conference in Northern Mexico, I actually told them that my life (to me) resembled a plain brown jar, when I begged and pleaded with God, to make me into a beautiful sparkling crystal vase.
I look back now and realize, my disappointment and that dreaming of mine, bore little resemblance to the reality of most of the real stories found in the Bible.
Plain jars and brick walls
At the time I was speaking to this conference, I was still trying to recover from a serious illness. I remember the conference leaders had to put a stool on the stage, because I didn’t have the strength to stand for more than a few minutes at a time.
I shake my head now, remembering how little I understood about the ways of God.
- I wanted to be healthy again and STRONG.
God whispered, “I shine brighter through your weakness.”
- I wanted my brick walls to be removed.
God whispered, “What if I want them to stay?”
- I wanted to soar like an eagle–far above my restrictions.
Instead, God led me out of my difficulties, one small baby step at a time.
Out of options?
Does every corner you turn seem to lead to another dead end?
Have you prayed, and prayed, until you can’t think of another thing to ask God for?
Are there brick walls everywhere you look?
I remember when my life looked like that.
I remember too, the morning God whispered, “…These ruins you see all about you? They are not who you are. They are not your destination, or your destiny, I AM.”
God had wonderful surprises He was planning, down the road, just a little further on.
But first, He wanted to teach me about following a King. He wanted me to learn that my circumstances, and what I could or couldn’t see, were not an accurate picture of who I really was.
In short, I needed a complete overhaul in my thinking about my identity; who I was, in Christ.
I also needed to learn that God’s goodness would never be tied to my ideas of goodness.
God’s thinking, and His plans for me, were far, far above, what I could see with just my earthly eyes.
As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13)
Reflection
When the circumstances of life loom fierce and threaten to beat us down—when the seeming futility of our earthly endeavours brings sorrow oppressive, our God will be a comfort to us. He promises consolation. He promises to heal our hearts. He promises us strength in faith. He is our God and He is good! –Blue Letter Bible
Wit’s End Corner
by Antoinette Wilson
Are you standing at Wit’s-End Corner,
Christian with troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what is before you,
And all you are bearing now?
Does all the world seem against you,
And you in the battle alone?
Remember — at Wit’s-End Corner
Is just where God’s power is shown.
Are you standing at Wit’s-End Corner
Blinded with wearying pain,
Feeling you cannot endure it,
You cannot bear the strain?
Bruised through the constant suffering,
Dizzy and dazed and dumb?
Remember — at Wit’s-End Corner
Is where Jesus loves to come.
Are you standing at Wit’s-End Corner
Your work before you spread,
All lying begun, unfinished,
And pressing on heart and head,
Longing for strength to do it,
Stretching out trembling hands?
Remember — at Wit’s-End Corner
The Burden-bearer stands.
Are you standing at Wit’s-End Corner?
Then you’re just in the very spot
To learn the wondrous resources
Of Him who faileth not.
No doubt, to a brighter pathway
Your footsteps will soon be moved.
But only at Wit’s-End Corner
Is the ” God who is able ” proved.
Do not get discouraged; it may be the last key in the bunch that opens the door.
–Stansifer
When we’re out of options, that’s when we’re most ready for God’s surprises.
Max lucado
Women With Destiny 