Dear Friends,
I am at my mom’s hospital bedside writing this entry and feel inspired to communicate to you that there is hope in every valley and dark pit despite what the world falsely promises or what medicine does not promise. No matter what you think you might be seeing remember that Psalm 24 tells that He is with us in “the valley of the shadow of death”. This word “death” can manifest itself in many ways. When it does, you must recognize it and deal with it ASAP. What is your darkness or death that you are facing? It's not to big for God EVER!
If you have been following my Psalm a Day Summer Youth and Young Adult Bible challenge blog, than you know that my mom is suffering with pancreatic cancer and it is now in the liver and blood stream. Yet, God is with her and with me. How do I know? I just do! There is light in my reality of cancer darkness. I have not shut my eyes or dreams to what God can do. Even if death is ushered in, God is still with us. Death does not stop us from being one with God, finding 100% joy and peace, and or eternity! That’s right; He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. You may remember the old poem: “Foot Prints in the Sand”, written by Mary Stevenson (1936). I love that poem because it describes the faithfulness and love of God towards us.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”
http://www.poetseers.org/the_great_poets/misc/footprints_in_the_sand/
Perhaps you are losing your home, lost your job, have been diagnosed with a disease, or lost a friend or family member recently; no matter the circumstance, we have to remember that when we think we are in darkness, all we have to do is look for the light. He is there with us. Jesus is the light of the world; thus, if we are in the light, we are with Him. If you see two sets of footprints in the sand as you walk the beach of life, thank God that He is with you. If you only see one, thank God that He is carrying you.
We walk by faith and not by sight! Don’t listen to the garbage that the world swings at you, whether subtlety via a friend over a cup of coffee or a message from a TV show. Amidst naysayers, pessimists, worrywarts, and cynics, one can easily be drawn to their darkside. The old and unwise saying, “can’t beat em; join em” does not measure up with my faith or the word of God. When a person decides to become part of a person’s gloomy outlook; if they stick around, they are about to become a loyal team member. This action is dangerous. Remember to surround yourself with people who encourage you in the things of God. Don’t buy what the devil is selling. Here is the truth about your life and how God is always there. Please by this product and stay away from the darkside!
