As I breathe in the night air and watch the skies turn to midnight blue, the starry hosts ready themselves for their nightly performance. At the sound of Your voice, as You call each star by name, the curtain is pulled back and they enter the stage for all to witness. Not one of them is missing, for they are contained by Your great power and mighty strength, Lord.

But as I exhale and take in my very next breath, my attention falls from the spans of glory to my circumstances, taking my thoughts from beauty to beast.

“My constellations tell a story for all to hear and observe.” said the Lord. “You are in My theatre spotlight for audience observation. I know the plot is tragic and unwelcomed, but I am setting the scene to display My intervention in your life. Collaborate with Me: ready yourself and listen for My voice when I call your name. Come forth center stage and shine for Me.”

“Yes, Lord. Ready my ears, for when You call my name. May I come forth shining like a star in the canopy of Your heavenly tent. You are the Creator of the ends of the earth possessing great Power and mighty Strength. I trust You to contain my circumstances and sustain me throughout this battle. Thank you for Your unfailing love.”

Comforted by Isaiah 40:26  

My flesh appears to have broken free of its reins and is running amuck, murmuring about my situation, and manifesting ugly traits that I do not even recognize. I am starting to feel as though there is no point to this suffering, Lord.

“There is always a point to your suffering.” said the Lord. “Right now, you are being presented with an opportunity to exhibit the highest form of love, sacrificial love. But it will mandate that you lay aside your own needs and desires to suffer for someone else’s benefit.”

Looking down at the floor, I responded, “That type of love sounds heroic, Lord. I am not sure I have it in me. I often stumble under the pressure of this trial, which causes me to feel more shame and anger, than love. How can I give something I do not have to give?”

“Do not miss this chance to portray God’s love because of your own feelings of inadequacy.” replied the Lord. “I am the channel of love that flows from the Heavenly Father. I chose you and will not forsake the work of My hands. You can do this because of Me. When you dwell with Me, that channel is kept open and flowing freely which will enable you to love others. Trust in My abilities, not in yours. I will perfect what is lacking in you – and that is the purpose for your troubles.”

“Lord, forgive my selfish heart and strengthen my inner being with power so You may dwell in my heart through faith. I trust You to perfect what is lacking in me. Keep me rooted and grounded in Your love, so I am able to love others through my words and actions, pointing them to You.”

John 15    Psalm 138:8    Ephesians 3:16-17    1 John 3:16-18    1 John 4:8    1 Peter 5:10

I am walking down a path that is scary Lord. I do not know where it leads and what the outcome will bring. This course contains not only my life, but the welfare of someone else whose well-being is in my hands. I feel lost and unsure: worry is seeping through the hairline cracks in my soul.

“Look at Me, my darling.” the Lord said in a soft voice.

As I turned to look upon the face of my Savior, our eyes met, and His peace flooded every tissue of my being with His Living Water.

Taking my hand and placing it in the center of His chest, Jesus said, “Feel the beat of My heart and let your anxious ways be calmed to My rhythm. Feel My peace consume you: for it will guard your heart and mind always. Receive what I have for you, My child.”

“You cause a new song to rise up from within me, Lord. Make me to rest in Your love.”

Phil 4:4-7         John 4:10        John 14:27