Walking By Faith

So, I am now in my "late 30's." Yep, I crossed that fine line between mid- and late. Here I am. Do I look older to you? Time truly does fly, doesn't it? What's even crazier than turning 37 is knowing that in only two months my firstborn will be 17. Now that is crazy!! Where has the time gone?

As I sat down to write in my journal this morning--the first time in over 2 weeks because of this all-consuming move to a new home--I realized I was writing in the final page of that big PINK (of course!) book I started in mid-2009. So much has happened in these 21 months or so. 2009 was the most difficult season of my life--for so many reasons. I experienced more personal pain in that one year than I had ever experienced. 2010 was another challenging year, but thankfully less so than 2009. As 2011 was approaching, I honestly was more tempted to step down from ministry and pursuing the dreams of my life than ever before. I was tired. We had experienced a terrible thing in our family in the previous months, and there was a strong pull to just say "enough is enough--I can't do this anymore."

As January 1 drew closer, and as I struggled even to pray, I sensed the Still, Small Voice of my Heavenly Father whispering one single word, "Hope." I began praying for renewed hope. I began reading every Bible passage I could find containg the word hope. And, little by little, hope was restored. And then came joy!

In I Peter 5:10-11 the New Living Translation says this:

"In His kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen."

I have this passage on a post-it note where I can see it often. It's been there for about three years now as a reminder that God doesn't leave us in the valley of suffering or preparation forever. There does indeed come a time when we are rewarded for persevering.

While we're experiencing the suffering, it feels like it's never going to end! (Much like labor pains). But once we get to the place we're going (or hold that 'baby' in our arms), it helps us see that the suffering only lasted "a little while." 
I don't know what you're going through. But you have a Heavenly Father who does. He sees and knows and cares. He has something amazing in store--something so tailor-made especially for you. And only He knows the right mix of ingredients and time and heat and pressure to bring that very good plan into your reality.

Andy Stanley posed a question in a message I heard just yesterday: "What would you do in your circumstances if you were absolutely certain that your Heavenly Father is with you?" And then he said, "He is. So do that."

Walking by faith...it really is more about the journey than the destination.

In Him and For Him,
Shelley

This was written April 2010.