Whispers in the Dark

(that is Tim and Reece in the picture:) )

I have so much on my heart that I feel like I want to share with you all. Things that God has been teaching me by whispering in my ear.

I am on week 12 of 14 weeks of this antibiotic treatment. I am doing good this week and encouraged. The true test will be when I stop the medication to see if it worked. There is a lot of anxiety about that for me. For the last 3 years, my life has been consumed with fighting this fight. I can hardly imagine a life without piles of medications, arthritic pain, headaches and the fear that has come with it all. I am hopeful but anxious.

I was extremely challenged by the leper who worshipped Jesus covered in leprosy. That is the heart I want. A heart that is full of worship no matter the circumstances.

I wrote a post a long time ago about some verses that have been a huge encouragement to me during this time.

"I will give you the treasures of darkness,

riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel,

who summons you by name."

Isaiah 45:3

These words have become etched into my soul. I am realizing that God's hand is in this whole thing very intentionally. He has given me so many treasures in this darkness and riches I would have not otherwise known. I would have never chosen this secret place of suffering but I can honestly say that I am glad He brought me here. I believe He brought me here to show me that He is the Lord. I believe He summoned me to this place by my name because of His passionate affection for me. I imagine a huge, strong and loving hand motioning me to come.

I get overwhelmed as I realize how He cherishes time with me. He brought me to this place to BLESS me. I must admit that I have not had this attitude the whole time and that it is much easier when I am not in pain. Some days the despair has been too great to bear. But I have learned that His grace is sufficient. That IN HIM, there is no darkness (1 John 1:5)

no matter how dark our circumstances get.

I tell you all this because I am reading through the book of Matthew and came upon this verse.

"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight;

what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs."

Matthew 10:27

I love the translation "whispered" because whispering demands closeness. Whispering is intimate. Whispering is special. A whisper is between two people. It is intentional.

He HAS whispered to me in the dark. I have experienced this type of intimacy with Jesus in the darkness. I have to speak out in the daylight. I felt the immediate urge to shout it from my blog rooftop that God is faithful in the darkness. He is close enough to you to whisper. If you are in a trial, know that He is close to you and that that you are cherished... That you are summoned BY NAME... That you are loved.

He will give you treasures in your darkness and riches stored in the secret places. He will whisper to you in your ear truths that you will never forget and truths that can set captives free.

Hang in there. Keep your eyes on Him. He has not forgotten you~ quite the opposite. He died for you. He loves being with you and freely giving you riches and treasures. He will hold you by your hand as you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He will NEVER forget about you.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast?

Though she may forget,

I will never forget you.

See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

your walls are ever before me."

Isaiah 49:15,16

He is near. He is whispering to you.

Listen to Him and

Be blessed~

Steph

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Since you are precious and honored in my sight,

and because I love you."

Isaiah 43:1-4

My trial seems so small and insignificant compared to so many others.

Please remember to pray for Stacy, Spencer and baby Isaac.

Pray for them fervently during this next week.

http://sgirl79.blogspot.com/