Reading the words of the prophet Jeremiah today, and thought about some really bad days I have experienced…
Jer 20:14 ¶ Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed.
15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.
Here we see the heartache of a man of God, at the hands of wicked man, that had obeyed God!
This is no politically correct preaching, but is the Word of God!
How about Job in his affliction:
Joseph in prison?
The apostle Paul after being beaten, put in jail and in chains?
I think he wrote these words, back down through the corridor of time, so that we might understand his pain and desperation, we are not alone, and Jesus is worthy of it all…
Truly, they all found victory in God, eventually, but they each, at some point despaired even of life itself.
I am not preaching to everyone today, I am here for someone: Is it you?
I know where you are at. Not specifically, but I think of the years praying for my family through cancer, and then having them die. Shattered, my faith in tatters, pain beyond belief, numb.
Yet, God was with me, and had my resurrection in mind.
He has yours too.
This is not the end of the story, simply a dramatic chapter of your life. Here’s a verse not commonly preached:
Ga 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
There is a place in Jesus, where you realize that no matter what any person might say or do, you are going to live for Jesus. This was the verse the Lord gave me coming off the mission field, after five brutal years. One by one, the people and ministries I had believed in, let me down, and I was left with Jesus, who will never leave nor forsake me.
He sent a servant into my pain, pastor Billy Joe, and somehow he knew, he understood, and he loved me and believed in me, when I did not believe in myself.
I had obeyed God, and lost everything, persecuted, betrayed, abandoned, and broke. Yet, God had my resurrection in mind!
I know I am speaking to someone here today. He will never leave nor forsake you either. What He said, shall surely come to pass, He cannot lie. People may come and go, but He will remain, and He will bring faithful people to your side, to walk with you throughout this life, and I’m sure, in eternity.
Some old saints used to call these seasons, ‘the long dark night of the soul…’ It will end. There is light at the end of the tunnel, that is not an oncoming train. There is joy and intimacy with Jesus in this place. Talk to Him about it: He knows, He understands, and He loves you.
I am praying for you today, you are not alone. I love you, and I remain, faithful to the call…