I've written before that I think Charles Hadden Spurgeon. British pastor in the 1800s, is my soulmate. His writings ("Morning and Evening" devotionals) resonate so deeply in me. I've read that he also suffered from depression, and painful gout, in his life. Maybe that's why I relate to him so. This is what he wrote on Monday:
"No flower wears so lovely a blue as those which grow at the foot of the frozen glacier; no stars gleam so brightly as those which glisten in the polar sky; no water tastes as sweet as that which springs in the desert sand; and no faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs in adversity."
Aren't those beautiful snapshots of faith in adversity? I believe that these past two years have been the hardest of my adult life. I lost both my parents a month apart. I've battled depression and back pain. I just haven't felt good. I've wanted to give up.
But Jesus has given me the strength to persevere. In truth, He's been the only thing that I could hold on to. His love for me has never faltered. Indeed, I've found that His light shines forth more brightly in the darkness..
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. So we don't look at the troubles we can see now, rather we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever", 2 Corinthians 4: 16, 18. NLT
Inspirational words, mind pictures and a perfect scripture, Peggy! That's why I like to visit you.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about spurgeon. I have used that scripture many times to help me cope with pain and depression. Jesus really gives us hope and peace when we need it the most.
~God bless~ Lisa
I love Spurgeon's writing because all of them reflect his deep love for God and what God did in his heart. It gives me strength daily as I read his writings. To have strength during easy times is super easy but to have strength when times get rough is not. I believe it's that heart who understands well His truth that He is the true Anchor that helps that heart feels safe no matter how heavy the storm that is raging around is...God bless you sister Peggy and praying that you will always remain strong in His power!
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy,
ReplyDeleteThis post rings loud and clear to me. In 2008 during the great slide of the economy I lost my job due to downsizing. Then two days later my first wife passed away. Words could not describe the pain I felt. At the same time I felt a joy and peace which surpasses all understanding. That joy was the result of me holding on as tightly to Jesus as I possibly could. His strength and comfort was beyond word. The Lord led me through and now He has blessed me with a new wife. Her first husband also passed away some time back.
The scripture you quoted above from 2 Corinthians was one of the passages I held so tightly on to during that time. I pray you, your husband and the rest of your family have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Ken
Just passing by to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Be strong in the Lord's mighty power!
ReplyDelete