I have just put the children to bed. It has been a long day…Lots of things heavy on my heart. I know all of you have faced these feelings many times before.
I flopped on the couch, Bible in hand. I threw up a quick, “Lord, I need some encouragement. I feel pretty deflated right about now.” No sooner had I finished the sentence than I heard that little whisper say, “Hebrews Chapter 6.”
I love the Lord and His quick answer to my plea for encouragement. I love how near He is and how willing He can be in my moments of weakness to water my soul. I had absolutely no idea right off the top of my head what Hebrews chapter 6 said, but when I read it, man, was I blessed.
“But beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you…” vs.9
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end…” vs.10,11
“In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of his promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” vs.17-20
My hope is not in today’s circumstances, my hope is wrapped up eternally in Christ. His promises to me are as sure as they can be, bankable, absolutely positively unchanging, because His purpose will not fail and will be accomplished since He has sworn by Himself to do it. And furthermore, as if all that was not mind blowing enough-I have Jesus acting on my behalf as my High Priest praying for me constantly. And you do too!
Feeling discouraged? Exhausted? Things heavy on your heart? Run to the encouraging arms of our Heavenly Father!
Photography courtesy of Brian Schindler
kimberlywebblague says
Absolutely praying for you, your family and your Mother during this difficult time. Our precious Father knows His plan and purpose even in the apparent tragedy you are facing. We pray His peace, blessing and security to you all.
elspethnelson says
Excellent points, Lyette. I find myself disciplining my 15 year old stepson and telling him at the end, ‘I am doing this because I love you and I want the best for you.’ I often wonder if he didn’t receive this message when he was much younger. However, I’m confident that because of the HARD (catch up) work that his father and I do now when he leaves our home for college etc. he will be prepared and on the road that God has made for him.
Thanks for the wisdom, friend.
Lyette Reback says
He certainly will Elspeth! Keep fighting!
Victoria says
Where else would we go? He has the Words of life!
Lyette Reback says
In the midst of difficulty or feeling overwhelmed, sometimes the most obvious answers, turning to God and His word, escape our minds…thank you so much for your encouragement!
Jody says
This life is full of plot twists, some being life-altering, so you are so right that our hope cannot be in our circumstances. I have a local high school friend (her name is Carol… I know you’ll pray for her after reading this) that just (in June) suddenly found herself without one of her four children. Her son, age 16, was instantly killed in a car crash and burned beyond recognition along with the vehicle. And yet, because of Christ, only because of Christ and IN HIM ALONE, she has hope. She is so thankful that she’ll see him again and their separation is temporary. Our circumstances shift all the time, but we can stand firmly in a place of hope, not drifting with the currents of our circumstances. Good reminder, Lyette, thank you!!
Lyette Reback says
Praying for Carol. What a devastating loss. Praying for the family. Their life may feel like shifting sand, but their feet are planted firmly on the rock. God bless and comfort them.
Michelle says
Encouragement, in the form of some scripture that “popped up” in my newsfeed just when I was getting ready to post something was my God Wink yesterday….God loves us so much and is ALWAYS faithful! Praising the Lord!!
Lyette Reback says
Sometimes an encouraging Word where we know God has winked at us is all we need to keep marching…or crawling…forward.
Miriam says
I am glad this news feed ‘popped’ up. Having some difficult times with my 11, almost 12, year old son – who is ADHD. He is very bright, intelligent, stubborn,and head-strong all in one little body! I won’t make it through these adolescent years without the Good Lord’s help and a lot of prayer.