"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 NIV
If you take summer drives in any city in this great country, you will see a lot of these construction cones dotting the highways. I am so special that I have my very own construction cone that was left in my driveway by an AT&T technician. It's become part of my landscape and now I would hate to see it go.
It represents how I feel some days....Under Construction!!
Do you feel like your life has been under construction since you have been a widow? I know there are days that you feel you can't get out of bed. I know you have days that you can't imagine going another day. I know there are times you feel hopeless. I know you think no one gets what you are going through.
I want you to know that there are so many of us that know exactly how you feel and also have our lives under construction. We might be in different stages of our journeys, some have many years in, some just took their first step on their path. Regardless where you are on your journey, please know that you have sisters right there with you. We are wearing our hard hats and are down in the trenches with you.
What gives me comfort is the times loneliness tries to take over is the truth that I am not alone. I know my Savior, Jesus Christ, is right there with me. Jesus came to earth to live among us, to experience a human life, and sacrifice himself so we can live again and have an abundant life. Jesus experienced grief when He was in the midst of His ministry. In John chapter 11 we read that Lazarus, a dear friend and believer of Jesus, had passed away. Jesus left to go and comfort all that were grieving Lazarus and to show God's glory by raising Lazarus from the dead. Upon His arrival, Lazarus was already placed in his tomb. Jesus comforted Martha and Mary, Lazarus's sisters, and asked them where Lazarus was placed. We get to John 11:33-36 NIV, "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 'Where have you laid him?' He asked. 'Come and see, Lord,' they replied. JESUS WEPT. Then the Jews said, 'See how He loved him."
Two words sisters!!! Jesus wept!!! Our Savior, the Holy of the most High, wept. He grieved His friend Lazarus. How incredible that our Lord felt that deep pain of loss. He knows that deep hurt, that soul hurt. As our Risen Savior, He wants us to lay all of our burdens at the foot of the cross. He will carry our pain and sorrow. In Revelation 21:4 NIV we are comforted, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Jesus is with us and He is for us. He is there in the ugliness of our loss, and He rejoices with us when we start the reconstruction of our lives. He has a plan for us, and all He asks in return is to trust Him. We are to let the construction begin, let go, and trust.
Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
He is right there next to you encouraging you to keep moving, to keep putting one step in front of the other. "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 NIV
As you all might know, I am part of a local ministry called Peace Restored. I am blessed to be a part of this amazing organization that reaches out to women in all difficult life circumstances. I am the widow coordinator and work closely with our director Ann. We are excited to announce that we are being interviewed this coming Friday, August 31st by one of our local news channels. Peace Restored will be featured in a segment that will be aired later, once we know a definite date I will inform all of you. We will also have an extended version that will be on their website. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to let more women know that we are available to them. But to also give God all the glory for opening doors that we never imagined would open for us. We would appreciate your prayers that God will show us and help us to speak His truth. We pray that He will give us His words and give Him all the glory for this wonderful opportunity. Thank you all so much for the prayers!! I know we will definitely feel them!!
Lord, thank you for being with us through every season of our lives. Thank you Lord for your comfort when we feel there is no comfort available. Lord thank you for blessing me with so many amazing women that you have brought into my life. Even though we wish we would have met under better circumstances, You ALWAYS work everything out for our good. Thank you for opening up doors that we never thought about. You are so wonderful!! I pray for our words during our interviews to bring You glory and to advance the Kingdom of God!! It's in Your Precious Name I pray..Amen!!
No comments:
Post a Comment