It’s been too long.
waaaaay tooo long
The trials don’t seem to end. They ebb and flow, mix and mesh, but never disappear.
Do you know what I mean?
- The bills keep rising.
- The job gets more intense.
- The days are too short.
- The family is in disarray.
- The words of a friend mark betrayal.
- The decision has no positive options.
- Disappointment and discouragement fill the days.
You’ve looked everywhere, but there’s no way out.
And then … your only vehicle becomes scrap metal. … THIS is not okay.
Maybe you, like me, have found yourself continually crying out to ADONAI for release.
Your throat is sore and heaven echoes with your pleas for relief from the pain.
And still the onslaught continues.
Perhaps like me, you’ve sought understanding of the current details and found none – finally giving in and accepting the fact that ADONAI knows far more than you do and that His merciful character can sustain your trust.
But the torment doesn’t ease.
You’ve even embraced the truths of James 1:2-2-4. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops preservance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” NIV1984
The word perseverance carries the concept of ‘remaining under’ the pressure of the Potter’s hands that His work would accomplish His purpose.
We may not feel joyful, but our intellect understands and our heart receives this truth and the value of it.
But the pain, ADONAI. The pain. Please take away the pain.
The thought slowly begins to dawn.
What if this isn’t just a series of bad circumstances?
What if we’re living in the center of the Refiner’s fire?
What then?
It’s time to get deadly honest with the One who’s sovereign over all.
- I don’t like it.
- I don’t want it.
- I don’t understand it.
- I can’t cope with the pain.
- If you don’t help me, I will perish.
What if? What if? That’s exactly where we need to be?
What if the purpose of it all is to take us to the end of ourselves that we might surrender to the jealous God who wants every ounce of our being?
It’s time for me. Is it time for you?
Dear ADONAI, I love you. I trust you. I want to welcome Your work in my life. Whatever You know I need. Do it. It’s okay. Amein
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 2:20-21
My prayers are with you that ADONAI‘s tender mercies will bring you peace.
If you found this post encouraging, please share it with others who might be blessed.
Thank you.