At the end of church we had baptisms. As I watched two young people profess their faith, I remembered my baptism day. It made me almost bawl like a baby. You’re always told it’s the best decision you will ever make. I didn’t always agree, but now years after profession, do I understand and agree.
After a recent bout with depression and faithlessness, I’ve come to see how Christ has carried me. I didn’t feel His Presence. It was through a physical pain and profound mental anguish that it stuck. I needed that pain to be taught His Power. The test provides the platform for His Power to shine as you take your faith into fierce fire.
Maybe soon I will have the peace to share how my world got rearranged so God would be glorified. Out of me, into we. Think it can be done alone? It can’t. Unless you want to learn how devastatingly brutal His lessons can be for His children.
I still don’t like the torment I went through. It had and still has a profound effect on me. It had a purpose. I had to be shown Who is IN CHARGE. The answer is it’s not me. What a shocker! Right?!
Purpose is necessary
ReplyDeleteAs I read what you shared here "my world got rearranged so God could be glorified" Not understandable to the earthly and blind man, but fully to a born again new creature in Christ. I am here to encourage you for you gave some personal lessons learned through trials and afflictions as well as some of the results of abiding in Him as His child. My mind went to the scripture in John 21:15-22, Jesus's instruction to Peter after the Resurrection, what Jesus told Peter to do and what He said would happen to him in the future. We all love Peter and verse 21 gives one of the reasons why we relate to him. "But Lord what about this man?"(referring to John). And Jesus's loving response to Peter in verse 22. Everyone's walk is different. But everyone should have the same response.We trust and we obey.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a hymn I grew up singing...I still love that hymn 😊.
As C. S. Lewis said, "Pain is God's microphone." He will get our attention when we need it most. Blessings, Regine!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great testimony!
ReplyDeleteDeep thoughts, indeed. And yes, we never been alone.
ReplyDeleteBut I understand some things from another perspective.
The pain or other tough situations were given to learn some lessons, especially when we are far away of our destiny in this world. And the cry of our body, is the only way to make us discover special way of healing using our minds. We have to think and believe that we are not weak at all. It's always a way if we persevere in searching inside us.
... Just a morning thought!
Be well, Regine!❤️😘
I forgot to send you a name:
ReplyDeleteLynne McTaggart and her experiments about intentions.
It takes immense courage to be so open about your struggles with depression and faithlessness. The phrase "out of me, into we" beautifully captures the core of your experience, realizing that you're not meant to navigate life's fiercest fires alone.
ReplyDeleteI hope that whenever you feel ready, you'll have the peace to share more about how your world was rearranged. Your story could be a source of strength and hope for others who are walking a similar path.
Have a wonderful new week.
Going through painful times- whether physical, mental and of course both feels terrible at the time. However, it sounds like you've emerged stronger and with more faith than ever. Beauty from ashes, truly! Feel free to share if you feel called by God to do so. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this! It is through him and him only that we will find our purpose and find meaning in the pain!
ReplyDeleteHope this week is a good one for you!
ReplyDeleteAlways good to have those reminders of when we were brought to be a child of God. I agree when I am in the deep of depression it can be hard to understand why I would go through such a thing, but then when I come out of it I can see where he lifted me up and got me through. Like he has told us, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!! And he has over come my depression! Hoping you have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful testimony of God's continued grace and love for you. And how wonderful to see young people being baptized. What a blessing. May God continue to give you strength for each new day. He is always right there with you.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the fire is not a pleasant test, but bears great fruit, in due time. And He never leaves us, even as we go through it... and each test is unique, to the individual and the place they are in. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine