Friday, July 20, 2018

The Light


Some days seem too difficult to bear. Darkness closes in around us, and we wonder how and when will life get better. 

I have days like that. In truth, a lot of them this past year. Earlier this week I was told it is time for me to learn how to be blind. I know that, but to hear it from two professionals in one week made it more real.

The past year feels like a year of loss. In truth, it has been, but there has been a silver lining too. The Lord has walked every painful ... and joyful step with me.

Joshua 1:5 says, "No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you."

God's Word is filled with precious promises, promises that can carry us through the most agonizing days. You may be sitting at the bedside of a suffering loved one ... or watching a dear one walk away from you, or worse ... away from God. You may not know how you will provide for your family. Or your car may be in the shop again and you wonder how you'll pay for the repairs. There is an endless list of worries and fears that can haunt our days, even our dreams. But God promises we will not walk through the days and nights alone. 

Our Father waits for us to turn to Him. 

I have lived sixty-six years and there have been many times I thought my ship would sink in a worldly storm. I found myself without hope, trembling in fear ... until I looked into The Light, reached for God's hand, and placed my trust in Him.

The only way out of the darkness is to follow the light. It's always there. And as harsh as this may seem, it is our choice - darkness or light. We choose.

Philippians 4:6 - 9 is always a place in God's Word that reminds me what I need to do in troubled times.

    "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 
    And now dear brothers, fix your thoughts on what is true, and  honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me -- everything you heard from me and saw me doing. THEN the God of peace will be with you.

I wobble along through this sometimes terrifying world, falling and stumbling. And there are moments when I feel lost and weak. But with each challenge I learn more clearly how to see the light.

It's always there. I just need to open The Book, Seek His face, Listen to His voice. And rest in Him.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie


6 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your heart and words of encouragement! Praying for you!

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    1. Thank you so much, Carla. The Lord loves to hear our prayers.

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  2. Sue Bakken5:14 PM

    We don't know why this additional burden has been put on you but I know you are a very brave woman who will learn to be blind with strength and grace. It's who you are. And your friends will be here to talk with you and even cry with you. There will still be good times and laughter as well. I'm sorry you have to go through so much each day! I love you my friend.


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    1. You are such a dear friend. And a long time friend - let's see ... since the eigth grade?

      I'm not sure we're supposed to know the why of our burdens, and I'm not always brave but that's okay. God is my strength and in the end that's all that matters.

      Maybe we should try again at meeting this winter. It's time.

      Hugs to you.

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  3. Thank you Bonnie for the wonderous reminder and timely for me also. I will continue to remember your loss of eyesight- in loving concern, Laura 💖

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    1. You are a dear.

      So thankful for God's grace and the prayers of other believers.

      Bless you.

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