For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes – 2 Peter 1:16
photo credit: Salvatore Tessitore via photopin cc
I’ve had moments that felt really out of control. You?
I’m talking about snot dripping, sob-inducing, hyperventilating moments when I’m sure my gaze was flitting and a little crazed. Moments when it all came rushing in, all at once, and swamped me with… well, it just plain swamped me, stinky black water and all.
I was lost. Utterly lost. The end of my tether had come and it left me breathless. Hopeless. Frantic. Alone.
And then someone was there. They looked me right in the eyes, grabbed my shoulders and snapped me back. Just the look in someone else’s eyes was all I needed to calm me. I don’t understand it, but I know it to be true.
It steadies, the anchoring of that eye contact. It says, “I’m with you. I’m not going anywhere. We can do this.”
WE can do this.
This message, it’s what the Gospel is all about. The apostles, the writers of the New Testament, they had seen His power with their own eyes. They had witnessed His glory and His love for us, firsthand.
The Spirit, He knew we would need their testimonies. He could see that 2000 years into the future, I would need that steadying gaze. He saw into my moment of despair and panic, and He stepped in to lock eyes with me.
He whispered, “I’m with you. I’m not going anywhere. We can do this.”
And suddenly there was calm. Not solutions, not healing, not a tangible change in my circumstances. Just the life-altering gaze of the one who can focus me. Just the steadying of breath by the Lover of my soul.
And that’s enough.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence and involvement in my life. Your love sustains me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
THANK YOU! I am so glad I read this post today. Its what I need. Have a fine day and God bless you and your blog.
Alita recently posted…Loslaten wat ik in mijn armen droeg
Thank you, Alita! I love how God always gets us the message He has for us. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
YUP…had this experience today when my stress went to the highest level…then came morning-break when a dear friend Joanne came to have a quick cuppa…I couldn’t talk and asked her not to…she just prayed for me then hugged me….then left me…..blessed, less stressed, on the road back to coping……………..
His LOVE shows up when we need it most……..
Loved hearing from you this-morning Shelly……praying lots for YOU special friend.
xx xx
A perfect example of how well He loves each of us, Mary. Saying a special prayer for you and for Joanne today. Love you so. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I love how He places people in our lives to do exactly what you said above. It’s such a beautiful testament to friendship and how He uses us to be His hands, feet, and eyes. <3
Salina Gibson recently posted…Never alone
It certainly is, Salina! I hope you have a wonderful week, sweet friend! Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I’m sharing this with my friend — she just found out her husband has stage 3 lung cancer. What hope you have written here. Thank you for building us all up.
Jen+Ferguson recently posted…Connections: Why the Military?
Oh, Jen, please let her know that I will be praying for them. I hope this post can help her in this scary time. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly, I just love this. It spoke peace over me today as I remembered the times God has used Rev to speak His peace to me as I was coming unglued. Faithfulness in a gaze of love. A sigh and a smile.
Deb@CountingMyBlessings recently posted…One Word – Grace
It is so sweet and sacred when people allow God to use them like that. So glad you are blessed with a hubby like that. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I’ve been walking a hard road lately, and this really ministered to my heart. Thank you so much for sharing.
Barbie, you have been in my heart and prayers constantly. Love you. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3