Thursday, November 10, 2005

The Shadow of His Wings

It's like your mind has just been overhauled and you shiver as the adrenaline rushes through your body. Memories of what used to be come flooding into your mind and you can't steer clear of them. No matter what you do to avoid it, your heart starts to beat faster and you feel sick to your stomach. You grow weak as if you hadn't eaten in days and your lungs seem to be taking in more air than you thought possible. Most people wouldn't even wish this awful feeling on their enemies, and all people wish it didn't exist. This is the feeling of rejection by someone you used to be extremely close to.

I've had my share of breakups in the past; sadly all of them were initiated by the other party. These times left me feeling hopeless as I tried my best to nurse the scar that was created on my heart. I had gone from feeling so accepted to feeling as if I were invisible and nobody could see the need that I had. I was vulnerable, very vulnerable.

Like me, I'm sure you've been through situations like this-or maybe you are experiencing this pain now. It's at these times when we are most vulnerable to Satan's attacks and lies. He tells us that we don't amount to anything and that we will be hopeless forever. He does his best to overcome us with the negative thoughts and sleepless nights so that we will become weaker than we already are. He knows that if he can get us down then we might turn our backs on God. But our God is too strong and too caring for those who love Him to be overcome by Satan.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus expresses the hope and solitude He provides to those who seek Him, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." You see, while Satan tries his best to get us to stumble, he has no power over those who seek the Lord. Our God is exponentially greater than Satan; they can't even be compared!

These hard times that God allows us to go through are the building blocks of our future. We must not wish to speed through these trials as they shape and mold who God wants us to be (James 1:2-4). The attitude that we must have during these hard times, although tough, must be that of Isaiah who wrote, "O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand" (Isaiah 64:8).

Are you going through a time where you feel rejected and alone? Do you feel as if nobody cares? The Lord has promised us that He will not allow us to go through trials that we cannot face. Realize that God has the power to make that which we believe is bad and useless, into that which is good and perfect. Pray to God asking Him for His help and He will guide and strengthen you (Isaiah 58:11); His love and protection will keep you impervious. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings (Psalm 57:1) and He will help you soar (Isaiah 40:28-31).

1 comment:

Minnie said...

Thank you! I needed to hear that! I am going through some hard times dealing with some decisions that need to be made in my life and seeking God's guidance. I know you're sick of me saying this, but you are such a gifted writer, Collin! I always look forward to reading your blog and God has spoken to me through your words more than a few times. Keep it up my friend!