I did not see this coming. I often share that if it weren’t for my imperfections, I would not have a speaking or writing platform. Never before have I shared while in the midst of my own personal storm. Hooked on happy endings, I’ve waited for God to bring the victory. Today I open up even more of my heart and share a different kind of victory. I pray you be encouraged and that God be glorified in my sharing.
My prayer today…
Lord, you’ve shown me in so many ways how to minister to others by sharing my story. As a communicator I’ve only shared the stories where healing has taken place. Victory in Jesus. I’ve learned to be vulnerable and have exposed my failures – all so that I could tell them about You – how You restored me – how you brought me through the impossible to a place of joy and peace.
But here I am – living in the midst of disappointment, feeling rejected and alone with the impossibilities that surround me. I’m back in that barren place – heartbroken and uncertain about my next steps.
While I feel alone, I’m wise enough to know that others are in this same space. For varying reasons, they are overcome by feelings of sorrow and uncertainty. You are asking me to share where I am… that place where I wait to hear from You in search of answers.
About you – reading this now.
Perhaps you are in a similar place – you relate to my thoughts and feelings. The Word says … You will comfort others with the same comfort you received from God (the God of all comfort) -my paraphrase -2 Cor 1:3-4 But how do I comfort you while still in the storm – when I cannot always see the break in the clouds. How do I receive God’s comfort when I believe that not even He can change my circumstance?
Forgive me Lord my unbelief.
Secrets make us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Finding someone to confide in – someone who also walks in faith, who will keep your secrets, who will pray with you and for you – that is a gift from God. Just because I don’t want to talk to God right now – doesn’t mean that those He has put in my life to encourage me won’t speak to Him on my behalf. Grateful that even now I have at least one friend praying on my behalf.
Forgive me Lord my unbelief.
I am reminded of your last days Jesus. So many turned their backs on you – out of fear, uncertainty and doubt. They expected more from You. Your crucifixion took them by surprise. In many ways they did not see it coming – they did not even imagine how they would reject you. Here I am – rejecting you, doubting you will ever intervene in my circumstance. Will I ever learn? How about those who I minister to – how I must disappoint them.
Forgive me Lord my unbelief.
For those reading, some may be speculating about my circumstance. You want details. Well, that’s not the point is it. This message is about what you and I may have in common. It’s about those pockets of time where we lose sight of how BIG our God is and cower under the weight of our current life season.
We are all perfectly imperfect – without Jesus, without His Grace and mercy – well – we are just not all that and a bag of chips. We need (Maggie needs) to get over ourselves. We need to stop expecting to show up as superheroes because there is only one God. He is the God of all Comfort that uses us despite our weaknesses. Our Jesus, while we were still sinners, chose to forgive us and offer us eternal life. So why not share with you my own imperfections? Why not share that like many of my followers, I too hurt and often fall short of God’s best for me?
God wants to speak to us if we would just look up and listen.
Well, to my surprise as I conclude this message, I recognize that it too will convey a victorious life in Jesus. I started typing this message with tears streaming down my face – feeling totally abandoned. I chose to type what was on my heart rather than speak to God. Who was I kidding? I was speaking to Him all along. And now… I smile through the tears. My life circumstance has not changed but there is a sweet peace that covers me, a knowing that He works all things together for good – a reminder that His Word and His promises are true.
Be encouraged.
Praying and believing for you and me… “The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain, and he is always ready to restore the repentant one. Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face.” -Psalm 34:18-19 (TPT)
Photo by Torsten Dederichs
The Time is Now
Your storms matter. How you navigate through them matters. You don’t have to walk this journey alone – find someone who you can trust and let them share in your burdens. I did and God showed up in the center of our conversations. Be encouraged!
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Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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