Monday, November 1, 2010

the other side...

Lamentations 3: 55-57 But I called on your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. You heard me when I cried, “Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!” Yes, you came when I called; you told me, “Do not fear.” 

Some of the wisest, most soothing words ever spoken into my life were these, “you don’t know what’s on the other side”. Very simplistic words, but carrying the weight of such truth. If it wasn’t for these words coupled with divine intervention, I would have made one of the biggest mistakes of my life. The truth is, we so often don’t know what is on the other side. God brings us to places where we can only see the next step, if even that. At times we may only have enough light to see where we are right now. As excruciating as it may be, He may call us to wait and trust that He is sovereign. It may seem like the calls we make from the pit go unheard. We may be screaming, where are you God in the midst of this? My marriage is falling apart! I can’t take the pain anymore! Why won’t you take these memories and pain away? Why won’t you heal me? Where are you God? But, He is there when we call. He knows exactly where to find us. And He whispers, do not fear.

We cannot see what is on the other side, but He calls us not to fear. He calls us to rest our heads upon His chest, and upon the truth of the word, and trust Him. We cannot see on the other side, but we do know that what His word says is true. We do know that God works together for the good in all things. The holidays can be rough, especially if we are in the midst of a trial at a time when we are expected to be happy and joyous. It may seem as if no one sees our pain, however it does not stop just for the holidays. It does not go away so that we can celebrate with family, and then return at a better time. It stays, even uninvited, it stays. But rest your heart in His hands, knowing that He sees your pain, and as bad as you want Him to take it away, He asks you not to shrink away from Him, but to cling to Him fearlessly. He sees your pain. He knows your pit. Take comfort in the silence, resting, knowing that soon you will reach the other side.

6 comments:

  1. Stephanie, I really meant it when I said your blog is like reading my journal!!

    Typing with tears as your words spoke to me. Just tonight I sat with my Bible on my lap and cried out to God that I don't know how to handle the pit or pain {think: Joseph}. Thank you for your encouraging words "Take comfort in the silence, resting, knowing that soon you will reach the other side." Such truth and light! Hugs! Sam

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  2. Awww, sweet Sam, now I have tears too :) Hugs to you! I know the pit of pain well, and good grief it hurts so bad sometimes. I can remember times when I have just laid on the floor begging God to take it away. And it almost seems as if it is worse when I can't even name the "it" of what the pain is. It just is what it is. What I do know, is that it often pushes me to write. And that the passion I feel such emotion with, is the same passion that pushes me to share. So, I trust Him on those days, knowing that tomorrow will be better, and that I wouldn't trade an ounce of my trauma/drama because it is a part of me that makes me who I am. And, I imagine what makes you who you are. And you are such a tremendously gifted writer, I cannot tell you how many times your own posts have brought me to tears. You are such a blessing. Much love and hugs to you!!! Stephanie

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  3. Boy, have I logged hours in that pit as well! I gain strength and peace when I think about those seasons in my life and how when I finally reached up, God's hand was there to meet mine. He has rescued me ever single time. He is so faithful! Thank you for sharing this.

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  4. Stephanie, I can relate so well to your words in this post.

    "It may seem as if no one sees our pain, however it does not stop just for the holidays. It does not go away so that we can celebrate with family, and then return at a better time. It stays, even uninvited, it stays. But rest your heart in His hands, knowing that He sees your pain, and as bad as you want Him to take it away, He asks you not to shrink away from Him, but to cling to Him fearlessly."

    So true, we have to cling to Jesus and that has to be enough. Doesn't mean we don't feel pain, but it does mean that we trust Him to get us through it.

    Thank you for your words today!
    Blessings,
    Melissa Taylor

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  5. Hello Stephanie.

    I've been down this road. I was healed after many many years of prayers and, maybe not at first, with patience knowing He has a plan and His purpose is perfect. My miracle covered more than just my pain, like an umbrella, it healed my marriage and my husband's faith crisis... I'm still blown away by it. This story happened last year.

    Whoever needs this message I pray that you hold tight... the roller coaster may feel like it's going to throw you all over and maybe even run over you... but God is here and HE does bring us through to the other side... in His timing.

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  6. Eileen, you speak the truth dear sister, He is so faithful!!!
    And Melissa, I have read many of your posts about your mom, and they have touched me so deeply. I am praying for you and your family throughout the Holiday's. That you all feel the presence of God, and that the joy that He is with you fills your heart.

    Kimberly, I love the thought of him covering our pain like an umbrella, what a beautiful image. I am so glad to hear that He has brought you through your storm, and yes He ALWAYS sees us to the other side.

    Much love and blessings to all of you :)

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