Good Morning Everyone,
I'm filled with fire this morning and hope it comes out in this message. This morning my prayer partner Scott and I had a fabulous breakfast discussion. It was actually one of the best we’ve had since we’ve been meeting in the early a.m. at Tim Hortons. This morning we were swimming through Romans and chatting about life experiences and renewal and I was convicted to share the following with you.
How well do you know your loved ones? How deeply do you know their story? This morning I’m going to briefly talk about a book and its cover. I’m going to tell you that you likely don’t know all there is to know about those you hold most dear. There are many reasons for this. Some may be that they are ashamed or embarrassed to tell you or it may be that they are protecting you from heartache and turmoil over things that were very personal and isolated to them. Whatever the reason you probably know that covers of books can be deceiving… just like outward appearances of people. I guess I only wish you knew the extent of it. God afforded me that opportunity three years ago when I was blessed with the Renewal weekend at my Church. I was forever transformed in many ways and having the knowledge that everyone has a testimony to give was one of them. I’m talking about deep rooted testimony of how they were transformed by God’s Grace.
Now I will share with you more of my story in hopes that you can see that you may not be alone. I’m that person that internalizes things to protect those around me. Most of it is contained in my mind or the experiences I’ve had. For that reason I will tell you that this struggle has placed me into deep depression on several occasions. I harbor guilt for my thoughts and actions and DAILY ask for forgiveness, but its not like a Staples Easy button. Things don’t magically go away… I’m convinced that some never will, but I at least have a tool box to deal with them and the manual is The Bible … such wisdom in those words! I’m the one who has dropped to my knees, buried my face in the carpet, and prayed for God to take it all away while drowning in tears. I’m the one that is too weak to control my thoughts, words, and deeds. I’m that one that is usually too proud for you all to see that. I’m your Brother, your broken Brother telling you that I have a story like all of those around you. The next time you look at them don’t assume you know where they are coming from because of the way they act. Know that there is more, there is always more, and our Savior holds them close to his heart just like he holds you.
Rather than closing with Scripture Today I’m going to close with the words to a song I posted on my facebook page last week by JJ Heller. If you haven’t heard it, I encourage you to find it on youtube and listen to it. I’m hoping to be able to sing it in Church with the aid of my guitar sometime soon. Many prayers and much love always, Steve
“Your Hands” – JJ Heller
I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands
Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...
When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands
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