Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” – Genesis 28:16
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I didn’t know.
How could I have known?
That Jesus could be in this place of so much heartache and loss. That Christ was here in the midst of the anger and grief. That the Spirit of the Lord could accompany me on such a painful journey.
I ran from the truth of my reality for as long as I could. In fact, when I could no longer fun, I sort of dragged myself. Wasn’t ready to accept it. Didn’t want any part of it.
Definitely had no intention of admitting it out loud or telling anyone about it. Wasn’t ever going to set it out there for the world to see and judge and maybe snicker.
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I didn’t know.
That the Spirit of the Lord is in this place. In this story. And He comes alive in the release of it.
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 3:17
I found freedom in my story. Freedom in the sharing and the embrace of those who walk alongside. Freedom in the connections I didn’t even know were there to be made. Freedom in handing it all over to a God who already owns it. Freedom in telling the truth and sighing in relief as I lay down the heavy load.
He’s there. In your story and in mine. In our connection and in the raw places we’re trying so hard to hide.
Surely the Lord is in this place. And wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for helping me to find freedom in You, no matter my circumstances. I am so blessed by the community You have led me to. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
This is beautiful, Shelly! And, so true…God is there, even when we don’t realize it. His hand is on every part of our life, bringing beauty from ashes. I am so thankful for the wonderful friends He has brought into my life in this blogging community as well! Through them, He encourages…and gives us opportunities to give back as well. I loved the little FB quote you put up the other day, “I love my computer. All my friends live in it.” That was so fun, but I totally agree. God is there. He is with us…always!
Love, Joan
Joan recently posted…The Obvious Path
So comforting, isn’t it, Joan? Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
The places we find ourselves isn’t always what we expected…but God is there. God is there is empowering and comforting. As we celebrate our nation’s freedom today…you remind us that true freedom is God with us, and all that means to each of us. Have a wonderful weekend my sweet friend!
Cathy recently posted…Not in America!
Enjoy your weekend, too, sweet Cathy! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
There is such freedom in release, Shelly. Indeed, the Lord is in this place. Have a blessed weekend, my friend.
June recently posted…Inspired by . . . democracy
You have a blessed weekend, too, June! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Amen Shelly! The Lord has met me in my darkest circumstances and given me strength I believed impossible at the beginning of the journey. I continue to have difficult days, but every time I am reminded that God is with me and will always provide for every need. Blessings my friend!
Deb@CountingMyBlessings recently posted…Celebrate Independence
He is so faithful and kind to us, isn’t He Deb? Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh yes! Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Such a powerful verse of beauty that I am learning more about every day, and will do for the rest of my days. Thank You Shelly. God bless you my friend.
Anita recently posted…When you are discouraged
Anita, your friendship is a sweet blessing in my life. Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3