This morning I received the above devotion picture through email. It deeply resonated with me so I reached out to my friend to ask if I could use it in my blog. Why did this touch me? I’ve been in a lot of “hallways” in life… patiently (or maybe not) waiting for God to open a door. Those hallways aren’t always well lite and you can become quite “discouraged” in the waiting.
There are lessons we can learn in the waiting. God uses these time in waiting to refine and prepare us for what lies ahead. It’s tempting though to wonder why do I have to endure so much. I know people who ponder this very question. I know God gives us these little signs that He is indeed with us and He is in control. Sometimes that “sign” is a text of encouragement, a worship song or scripture to redirect us. Just like in the quote in the picture above, perhaps God is asking, “Will you trust me in this?”
Last Sunday I was able to go to my “home” church with a friend. I love this church because the Word is preached and never “watered down”, the music ushers in the Holy Spirit and there are always church family to hug and fellowship with. Oh, and the late service always has a sign language interpreter. Part of what Pastor talked about was how we must enter through the narrow gate. You can find this in Matthew 7:13-14, ““You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (NLT) Jesus tells us the road is difficult. I suppose I should not be surprised. Pastor also touched on the fact that it doesn’t end with entering the narrow gate, we have to keep walking and serving. Everyday we have to get up and do it again. Get up, choose Jesus, seek His presence through prayer and receive spiritual nourishment through reading God’s Word. Starting my day in this way gives me joy not of this world. My husband Ron found me dancing in the kitchen recently and said, “You’ve got joy”. I replied, “Thank you Lord.” I guess in a sense it’s like “dancing and praising in the hallways while I wait for answered prayers. I don’t know why God works the way He does. I do know that He is a promise keeper and all of His promises are yes in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20). As we study God’s Word, we are assured of God’s character. God is good all the time. His mercies are new every single day. He pours new strength in us every single day. He is faithful and trustworthy. You fill yourself with God’s truth so that when those “hallway” experiences come, you can praise Him while you wait.
We also find in the Bible that we are to take up our cross and follow Him. Here is the scripture for that. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16: 24 (NLT) So what is your cross? For me it’s living with my hearing and visual limitations. It is so not easy! But God never said it would be easy. He did say He would be with me and give me strength. He did say He would give me peace. For me, it’s all about Jesus. He is my all in all! For me, there is no other way! 1 Peter 5:10 reassures us by saying, “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” ( NLT) Another encouraging scripture is Romans 8:37, “No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (NLT)
As we praise in the “hallways” of uncertainty, let’s hold fast to Jesus. He is a Way Maker and we need to trust Him in every situation. Trust me, I know it’s hard at times but all things are possible with God. Stand firm, deeply rooted in faith in Jesus. Have a blessed rest of the week. He’s got you! You’re going to make it!!
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