“Once many years ago when I was going through a dark period I prayed and prayed, but the heavens seemed to be brass. I felt as though god had disappeared and that I was alone with my trial and burden. It was a dark night for my soul.
I wrote my mother about the experience and will never forget her reply: “Son, there are many times when God withdraws to test your faith. He wants you to trust Him in the darkness. Now, Son, reach up by faith in the fog and you will find that His had will be there.” In tears I knelt by my bed and experienced an overwhelming sense of God’s presence.
Whether or not we feel God’s presence when our way seems dark, by faith we know He is there. You can stake your life on His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5).
I have been using this devotional book for more than a year and this is the second time I have read this reflection. It spoke as loudly to me the second time as it did the first time. What a gift we have been given…to reach up for his hand…reach up by faith in the fog…
Dear Lord, I am so grateful for gift of your hand that is there for me ALL the time, even in the fog of life. Thank you for the gift of you Son and the many, many other gifts you have given to me. Thank you for the gift of visiting with my family this past weekend and the gift of meeting a new friend. Lord, thank you for bring Ann safely home to her family. Lord, I ask that you be with my friend trying to sell her house and wanting desperately to join her husband in their new location. Please give her patience and allow me to be used by you, to witness to her. Be with my friend whose husband has a brain injury; please guide the doctors and give the family the peace and grace they need. Lord, you are so good to me and I am so thankful. I am overflowing with joy this morning because of your many blessings.
Friends…you may be wondering why I am overflowing. It isn’t really anything special other than I spent some time over at Ann’s blog. Do I even realize how MUCH I have? How easy I have it? The coffee is brewing, the refrigerator and pantry are full, I have a roof over my head and a floor under my feet. I will get in a car and drive to work, where I will make a decent and fair wage…I believe this is a post for another day…
I got back from a weekend of visiting my parents late Sunday night. Yesterday I just could not seem to get my act together to post anything. While I didn’t think I could afford (financially or time-wise) to be gone this past weekend, I am so glad that I went. It is hard to watch my parents get older, but I truly enjoyed the time I spent with them. I got to see a couple of my siblings and some assorted nieces and nephews. AND…I did have one surprise while I was there. Check it out here. Thanks for stopping by…what did you do over the weekend? Have you found his hand in the fog?
There is a lot of fog in my life right now, but I'm glad I know that his word is true. I know he's there. He can guide me through the fog like a pilot who doesn't trust what he sees, but what the instruments are telling him. How neat that you got to meat Dianne! I have never met a blog buddy! Have a great week!
Mary B,
Thanks for sharing your quiet time.
Just be encouraged that you are touching hearts and lives! I love that you shared your prayer. We would be amazed at how many do not realize how to "pray".
I met your through Dianne and thanks for stopping by and reading my thoughts.
I pray HE makes himself real to you today!
IN HIM,
Karen
Thank you for posting this message Mary. I have to agree with Stephani…it is so comforting to know that God's word is true.
I would love to meet my blogging buddies!
hope you have a delightfully clear week
~a
Sounds like a great week, Mary!
I recently read Billy Graham's Biography, and really liked it.
Love Ann's blog too.
So glad you had a good visit with your parents. The time passes too quickly. How wonderful that you and Dianne got to met one another. You are both wonderful women who have encouraged me greatly over the last several months.
Yes, how grateful I am that the Father sees the way even in the deepest fog!
Mary,
It's wonderful that you got a chance to meet another blogger! It sounds like you and Dianne had a great time. Thanks for the quote from Billy Graham's book. It's consoling to know that even he went through dark periods where God seems far away.
I left you an award on my site. You don't have to put it up if you'd rather not, I just wanted to show my appreciation for your blog:)
What a great post Mary. Cool to be able to meet your blogging buddy! Her blog is also very nice. Thanks for the link. As for the fog, I've been in some for awhile..just trying to figure out how to keep hold of His hand 'till it clears.
Welcome back Mary! So glad you had a good visit with your folks. What a beautiful reflection- thanks for sharing it. I am so thankful that God's hand is always ready to receive mine.
Ann's posts this week were incredible!