"He (God) comforts us every time we have troubles, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us." II Corinthians 1:4 (NCV) ____________________________ In the past year, a whole lot has happened. For me personally, one of the biggest things has been a change in perspective. I really needed it. Last year I was focused on "poor me". I needed to look at things differently. One of my favorite movies is Dead Poets Society. One of my favorite scenes is the following... _______________________ [Keating is standing on his desk] John Keating: Thank you for playing Mr. Dalton. I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly look at things in a different way. _____________________________ In my case though, it wasn't standing on a desk that changed things. It was the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit whispering in my ear. It was the promise of God that He would never leave me alone. _______________________ When I was at one of my lowest points, the Holy Spirit led me to Psalms (don't you just love Psalms). Anyway, I read chapters 55 to 57. God spoke to me through all of them, helping me to give a voice to the depression that surrounded and the fears that overwhelmed. The verse that still sticks with me today is from chapter 57 verse 4. It says, "Enemies, like lions, are all around me; I must lie down among them. Their teeth are like spears and arrows, and their tongues as sharp as swords." Okay, now I know that you are wondering how on earth this applies to me?! That's okay, in your shoes I would be too. Here is the modified for Heather by the Spirit version, "Illness and pain are your predators. They are around you at all times. In spite of that, you must lie down amoung them and rest. Yes, the pain and fears are still going to stab at you and yes you will feel their sting at times, but (vs 5) MY GOD is supreme over everything!!! even my pain and illness." _____________________ God never said He would change my situation, but He gave me strength to lie down and find rest anyway. He gave me joy to fill my days with singing (vs 7) and His love continues to lift me up to the clouds (vs. 10) ______________________ Now God is using me to share with others what He is continuing to teach me. I will be leading a support group for others with chronic pain and illness starting in May. I would appreciate all of your prayers as God lifts me up to a new perspective. I pray that He would also lift others up to view their world differently too! |
