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from difficulty to strength

Saturday, July 7, 2012

After reading this blog post by my wonderful friend, Meredith, I decided sto re-read one of my favorite books...

Strengthen Yourself In The Lord

and the Lord is speaking to me:

"So as I navigate the various challenges and obstacles on the highway to my destiny, I'm watching the warning lights of my heart. I must sustain my connection with the Source of life...I can't afford to have a moment in my life when circumstances distract me from tending that fire in my heart..."

Did you know that Saul pursued David for over 10 years?
10 years!!
And all throughout that time, David tended the fire of God in his own heart and in the hearts of the mighty men (who were once outcasts) whom he was training for battle. He didn't let discouragement distract Him from the call of God on his life. He put his trust in the Lord of heaven and of earth...not in his circumstances.

2012 has been a difficult year for us.

It was difficult when we lost all of the money for our adoption.
It was one of the most difficult times in my life when we realized that we wouldn't be able to adopt R.
It has been difficult to let go of many dreams, in regards to India.
It was difficult to see Grace in such pain for almost three weeks.
Communication with people that I love is sometimes difficult.

But, what pales in comparison to all of these things is the difficulty that I find myself in when I turn my gaze from the Lover of my soul.
So much of the difficulty of 2012 stems from the fact that there are times when I ignored the need to tend that holy fire in my heart. I have allowed circumstances to distract me from His presence. I have doubted His goodness and His mercy. I have let go of His call on my life and have taken my gaze off of His beautiful face.

Thanks be to God that He gives us continual opportunities to turn our eyes to Him! He is so forgiving and kind. He does not leave us unto ourselves. He pours out His mercy and strength as we seek after Him. I so want to sit in His presence and gaze on His glorious face. I want to seek Him when things are going well AND when things are difficult. I want to hold on to His promises. I want to always sustain my connection with the Source of life.

So, I want to proclaim now that despite some appearances, 2012 is a magnificent year! He is teaching me new things. He is helping me to grow in faith. He has created beauty from ashes by allowing us to adopt precious Kaikai. (Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jesus. Oh how I love this boy!) He has allowed us to see Grace restored to health (again, thank you, Jesus!!!). He has abundantly provided for our adoption expenses. He is helping me not to look to my circumstances, but to remember how He has called me and so to believe in Him for greater things. He is giving me new strength in Him!

Praise the Lord!

5 comments:

Peter and Nancy said...

This year has been a rollercoaster for you, that is certain. It is good to remember that He is the one constant in everything . . . and I have joy thinking of you telling your son the story of how he came into your family. That is a huge example of beauty from ashes . . .
Nancy

Gwen said...

This has been a difficult year for us, too-- for a number of reasons. And I have also been very distracted by discouragment lately, too. I've been trying to do everything on my OWN. I need constant reminders to tend the fire in my heart! Beautiful post, and so happy for your adoption news! :)

Kristen said...

Love, love, love, love this post!! Your faith is amazing and such encouragement to me! I can't wait to see you with sweet KaiKai in your arms! You can already tell that his face lights up a room!

Rebecca said...

This is so timely. I was up at 3am reading the Psalms and I came to that exact conclusion. I need to lean in to the Lord and put other idols aside. I can't wait to get that book too! Thx for sharing...
Blessings,
Rebecca

Brad and Renae said...

Sarah-
What a great reminder....I need this today, for sure. I can easily be distracted and focused elsewhere. It's so great sharing in your journey of 2012 -- I look foward to the next 6 months :)
Renae.

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