Saturday, January 23, 2010

It is time to laugh

I just felt like visiting for a little this morning.
I wanted to sit and share the peace that is dwelling in my heart....not because life is perfect...but because of the perfect One that dwells in my heart.
You know.... I've heard people who have said things like that...me included ..and I wonder what would happen if their life got tipped upside down. Would they still say the same thing?
And then these things happened:
Katrina
Rita
My son turning in rebellion and all the horrors that intailed
Not being able to build our house
Horrors at church
Moving into a camper
Moving into a rental to take care of my FIL the year before he passed
Moving back into the camper and coming here
And then running slap out of money with no job in sight
And that is the readers digest version!
It has been a rough ride....and yet....I am still here.
And I have learned and am still learning..HE IS FAITHFUL! I believe that DEEP in my soul.
Even in the most excruciating events.....He is there holding my hand and holding at bay the one who would love to destroy me and mine.
What a picture of our Father God!
And so my heart sings and my spirit laughs in the face of my enemy and His.
Ha!  Ha! a chest deep laugh that smacks in the face of an enemy that thought he had sealed our fate.
That's what happens when you walk by sight.....you miss what is happening in the Spirit. ;)
The following was left in comment by Karen...my tomorrow girl.
"With the high praises of God in your mouth and a two edged sword in your hand, you will march right into the victory side right into Canaan's land"

Not sure why I'm thinking of that song, but I see you laughing, laughing in the face of adversity, which may sound so unlikely and impossible, but it's maybe a spiritual laughter, a laughter that overcomes, that breaks heaviness, that breaks through.


Over the few years that I have known Karen, I have been so encouraged by what the Lord has spoken to her about my life. It has spurred me to move on....not to sit, soak, and sour.
I have in no way done this thing perfectly...and have certainly done my share of sitting.
But because of what I know.....I couldn't stay there. 
 This battle we are in.....it is not this world trying to beat this soldier down...that is just the disguise of the enemy.
There is a song that we sing in Summer camp that goes something like this.....

We are the soldiers of the army 
of salvation
that God is raising up to save the world
And we won't lay down our arms until every nation
is bowed on bended knees before our Lord.

He is raising up an army...He is training an army. He loads their packs with great weight and like a platoon leader-- He takes them on long hikes in the rain to improve their endurance. It is survival training...He knows the attack of the enemy is coming.....and He will never send His troops out unprepared.
As the hike grows longer and the troops begin to weaken from the fatigue and cold....He runs along side shouting the words of truth that light a fire within and brings renewed energy to weary souls.
He knows how far He can push each individual....and when the one begins to falter He brings alongside two that will hold up the arms of the spent one.
And then times of rest come for all.
Packs removed... muscles begin to relax.....the quiet of the evening settles into bones
and eyes close in peaceful slumber.
He sits close by with a proud smile.....ever watching for danger.
And so begins the evening of a new day.
And each soldier soldier slumber deepens as their spirit hears....Peace Be Still.

---this soldier signing out! ;)


11 comments:

Shirley said...

Right on, girl! Keep the faith...
stronger is He that is in you than he that is in the world...He has his invisible army around you... fighting for you...you are never alone...He will renew your strength...He gives us so many promices that we can depend on.

Love you bunches...
Keeping you in my prayers.

Denise said...

You are such a faithful soldier sis, keep on marching. I love you.

Mary said...

Sharon,

A powerful post and just what I needed to hear on this night. I'm going to send you an email.

Blessings,
Mary

Fitter After 50 said...

This too shall pass!

Denise said...

When I am weak then I am made strong.. Laying on ones face before the mighty hand of God is the BEST place on earth.. He calls, HE equips.. HE leads!

luvmy4sons said...

What a wonderfully faithful, brave and uplifting soldier you are sweet sister!

Running the race said...

Sharon, this is the first time I have visited your blogg..what a beautiful job you have done. I am new to this blogging thing! You are right we have to take time to laugh in the midst of adversity so we can see the hand of God carrying us through. Right now I am going through Breast Cancer having great fun with Chemo...not! But God's provisions are amazing! Keep on keeping on!

Lisa N Alexander said...

Awesome testimony of God's faithfulness!

Here's a loud obnoxious "nah nah na-na nah" to the enemy!

Keep standing...the one who called you IS FAITHFUL!

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Halfmoon Girl said...

I was asked this week what I thought God promising us an abundant life meant to me. My answer was that it was the security of having all that He offers- all His promises, and a changed heart as I develop the Fruits of the Spirit when I surrender to Him. IT IS NOT DEPENDANT ON OUR CIRCUMSTANCES. I hear you saying the same thing here. What peace He brings us- can you imagine living through all those things you have listed WITHOUT your faith. Yikes.

Winging It said...

Wow! Such wonderful stuff! Love the whole analogy thing and this part "He knows how far He can push each individual....and when the one begins to falter He brings alongside two that will hold up the arms of the spent one." AMEN!

love!
Maria