I hesitated writing in this direction this week, because I feel like I am in the middle of a battle. I guess we are always in the middle of a war, but it just seems like for me and a lot of my sisters in Christ there is just a battle going on right now…. and we are smack dab in the middle. So here goes…
My little family is no stranger to bad things happening lately. To name a few of the big things…since the end of September we have had two ER visits (one was fast, one resulted in an overnight hospital stay), Charlie has been to the doctor 3 times for different things, one of our pets passed away, and this week Charlie and I were at the play ground and he tripped over his foot and did a face plant right into concrete. As Charlie had blood pouring out of his nose and mouth onto himself… his clothes…me… I was thinking to myself “I am getting really close to the end of my rope” (side note…Charlie was checked out by a doctor and totally fine. He is a brave little guy). Seriously this is like a freak month. I can’t remember the last time so much has happened in such little time. However, inthat time of craziness with me trying to clean Charlie up while he is upset, I felt God whisper
“When you feel like you have you are at the end of your rope…
I will always extend the rope.”
One of my friends is going through a really tough time as well, battling a different fight than me but still in a battle. She said to me early this week “God has big plans for us, He will be with us each step of the way… we will fight in His name and overcome”. It’s funny my friend mentioned the fight, because it’s something I have been thinking a lot about recently. I mean…what does that even look like when you are in the middle of a battle anyway? What is fighting the good fight when you are under attack? Really… how do you even step forward in the fight when it’s one thing after another after another happening? I am going focus on one aspect of the fight that has been my life rope the past few weeks.
Prayer. Literally every time I pray… my rope somehow gets longer.
I could probably write a book about prayers over the past few years but wanted to share a couple things about that I have been reminded recently:
- The importance of being honest with God. It’s okay to be hurt, and confused, and weak. Be honest with God about that. He already knows your heart and what you are going through sometimes… actually lets be real… always before we do. When He asked Adam and Eve where they were after they had been disobedient….He already knew the answer… He just wants us to be in community with Him. God isn’t sitting up in heaven listening to our prayers and responding “oh really? I had no idea that was happening, or that you felt like that.” And what about His son? When Jesus was going to be crucified, God wasn’t like “whats happening? This wasn’t supposed to happen!” God is already waiting for us through our trials and hard times. He is waiting to respond saying “I know you are hurt right now, I understand pain, my only Son died a brutal death so you can live in community with Me. I love you and will hold you and comfort you during this time.” My quiet times with God have gotten so much more real and honest… And how sweet those times have been to experience His love in a new way and really true way.
- Praying for others is huge! Sometimes that will mean praying for someone who has gone through what you have gone through recently…even if you have tears pouring down your face when you pray. Those are the most honest, genuine prayers. Don’t shy away from the opportunities, and rob yourself and others of the gift of true genuine understanding and sisterhood. God comforts us in our struggles so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). One of the most healing things for me after the miscarriage was laying hands on my friend who is pregnant and praying strength over her baby. As tough as the hard times are, I have experienced some of the deepest, sweetest and real moments with my friends. Embrace those moments.
- I know that sometimes it can even be hard to know how to even pray when going through battles. A simple “God, I have no idea what to pray for right now… I just know that I need you.” is okay! Or even a “God, help me”. God wants your heart… exactly where it is.
I’m definitely not suggesting that through the hard times to not address that you are in hard times. I don’t think that is wise or healthy. I’m just encouraging you to walk through the valley in prayer and watch Him extend your rope.
