Socks off and PJ's on, I slid across the terrain of our king-size bed and wrapped my arm around my husbands ribs. Then, like the start of an old-time movie reel, my thoughts began to splash across the screen of my mind. Replays of the events of the day quickly led to heart-breaking news from a phone call I'd received. Then the video switched to display every worst-case scenario based on that phone call. I quickly grabbed hold of those thoughts and began to cry out to the Lord, "This is too much for me Lord. Please pour out your grace and mercy for this trial...it's just too much."
As Scott pulled up the sheets around his chin, I started to ask him, "Honey, could you please ask the Lord..." to which I heard a familiar voice interrupting my thoughts, "I'm right here. Why are you asking him to talk to Me?"
The sudden realization that Jesus was closer to me than my husband and the absurdity that I would ask anyone else to be a mediator for me made me smile. I said "Sorry" to the Lord and "Never mind" to Scott. Then proceeded to pray until I fell asleep.
The Lord didn't answer or speak again that night concerning the things in my heart. He didn't need to. But somewhere during the day, in the midst of my hurt, how easily I'd forgotten the reality of His Presence. The promise of His nearness. The tender reassurance that He draws close to the broken-hearted. His ear is open to our cry.
"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." Ps.91:15
May you rest in the comfort that there is no one on the earth closer or more loving than your Jesus.
April 2, 2011 9:51 PM
Praying for you, Shannon! Psalm 46
April 3, 2011 12:42 AM
This blog entry completely blessed me! Love ya! Praying for you :)
April 4, 2011 9:13 AM
Just discovered this blog,after going to the CC website.
Is there a way a can subscribe to it ?I could not find a link on the blog's page.
I have listened to the radio's broadcast for many years,but never thought of checking out the church in person...even though I live in West Irondequoit(it would be a little far to attend it regularly)
I would like to attend one of your church's services,one of these days...
Anyway,sorry for the random ramblings...I want to tell you that this post has touched me.I keep forgetting that my(our) struggles are really, a sharpening toll.Thanking you for reminding me of that.
I'll be praying for you,as you go through whatever you are going through..
Thank you for your God given message.
May the Lord continue to bless you as His instrument.
Have a blessed week !
April 4, 2011 4:27 PM
Shannon, As always the Lord uses you to touch my heart. I know what you feel. Please know that you are in my prayers and are loved much!!!
April 4, 2011 9:21 PM
Hey dear friends. Thanks for your loving comments. There are only a handful of people I know who AREN'T going through some difficult things and trials. So your prayers have been heard, but prayers are also returned (especially you Pam).
And Claudia, I will place a button along the side of the blog somewhere that will say "Subscribe to this blog" or something like that. But please be patient with me. It's so difficult to find the time to write an entry. Writing doesn't come easy to me and takes forever to get a paragraph out :) If you ever choose to come visit us sometime, please ask someone at the front counter or an usher who I am. I'd love to meet you.
God bless you and much love sweet sisters.
April 4, 2011 9:29 PM
Claudia. I put the option "Follow By Email" along the side. Bless you!
April 4, 2011 11:25 PM
Thank you for adding the subscribe link, Shannon !
I've just subscribed to the feed.
When the weather gets a little better I'll stop by the church and ask for you(I want to make sure there is no snow on the road for that looong trip-ha,ha).
Looking forward to it !
April 6, 2011 2:05 PM
Hi Shannon. I read this a few days ago. Last night around 2:30 am, I woke up battling all kinds of thoughts that I knew were arrows straight from the enemy to my heart. Tempting me to fear and doubt. I was about to wake up Tyler and ask him to pray for me... then I remembered... Thank you for this encouragement!! I fell asleep trusting.
April 10, 2011 3:09 PM
Remind me to hug you when I see you Jen. That's special for me to hear. Thanks for sharing :) He's so good to us.