As I was reading in Ezra this morning I was reminded, yet again, of the fact that the Lord loves me. But this time that fact took on a more significant meaning. Life situations over the years had left me beaten and without hope. In recent years it seemed as if there was no end in sight. No hope that life would get better. One tsunami after another kept hitting me. No sooner would I surface for air when another wave would catapult me down into the depths again. Recent events had left me shattered. I really didn’t know how to pick up my life again, nor did I have the strength.
I have found strength in my Ezra (which in Hebrew means “[God] helps”) . There are people in my life who have chosen to walk alongside me in the rebuilding process. God has used those people to show me that He is faithful, that He does love me, that He is concerned for my welfare. They have taught me that worshiping God is of the utmost importance because it is then my heart is lifted above the pain of this world. They have taught me the importance of “Text” - Scripture - reading it daily and following through in obedience to what the Lord reveals in my heart. Scripture provides truth to dispel the lies of Satan. Each person has given me “gold & silver” to help me restore God’s temple - my life.
Looking back I can see how Satan tried to destroy me - how he attempted to batter me and rob me of my faith - how he wanted to leave me wandering in exile for the rest of my life. I had been beaten down, over and over again, just as the people of Israel had been beaten, held captive, and left to die. Just as they were left hanging by their fingernails, I, too, was left hanging. Just as the people of Israel didn’t find life easy, I, too, don’t find life easy. I have come to the conclusion that life will never be easy for me. That my faith in the Lord will always be challenged. However, if I continue to worship and immerse myself in Scripture, I can & will find strength to endure any challenge that comes along.
Eugene Peterson writes, “The People-of-God identity was recovered and preserved. Ezra used Worship and Text to do it. Ezra engaged them in the worship of God, the most all-absorbing, comprehensive act in which men and women can engage. And Ezra led them into an obedient listening to the text of Scripture. Worship and Text continue to be foundational for recovering and maintaining identity as the People of God.” (The Message)
Thank you to Vera & Tom Grimmius, Halee Spriggins, Dr. Lynn Lusk, Dr. Bill Trevan, Steve (my husband), Rev. John McFarland, Jan Frank, Rev. Betsy Straeter, and many others who have shown me that God does care about His people.
Filed under: Child Abuse, Faith, Post Tramatic Stress Disorder, Relationships | Tagged: beaten, depths, eugene peterson, Ezra, Faith, hopeless, lies, obedience, rebuilding, shattered, truth, walk alongside, wave, worship
Tricia, you have many gifts, one of which is writing and sharing your life and faith. Thanks for doing this so we may all see and know God’s love for each of us and in all our circumstances.
Tricia I finally took the time to read your wonderful thoughts. Keep up the great work of sharing with others how you came through the fire with God keeping you from burning up. Tom and I feel so privileged to be part of walking with you for so many years. It is a joy to have you as part of our family which is God’s family first of all.
Your site is wonderful and you are a gifted writer. Your stories and thoughts are inspiring. Through HIM all things are possible. Although some days living as we are taught to live by the scriptures, requires extreme dedication and determination. My faith has been tried numerous times. Each challenge may shake me but thus far has not broken my spirit. Daily prayer and meditation are what gets me through those challenging days.
What a postive way to deal with your numerous health issues. I admire your creativity. God Bless, Kathleen