Honestly, I'm a little sad that they are over.
So much has gone on in my heart, in our family, blessings piercing through the snow. I don't even know where to begin....so....I'll start in the middle....perfect place, right!
Half way through this fast, I felt led to read through 1 Samuel, just a couple chapters a day....really sinking into their meaning. At first I figured it was all because of David having to wait and go through so many things before he was King....but every chapter has hit my heart, revealing flaws, challenging growth....learning to be humble and fully dependent on God.
1 Samuel 7 tells of how the Israelites were being attacked by the Philistines, they said to Samuel, "Don't stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us!" He fervently cried out to God and the Lord answered him. Then he took a stone and named the spot Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
The Hebrew word is Eben haEzer....meaning Stone of the Help. How often does God help us, only for us to forget days, months, years from now?
I want to remember this time with Him. To never forget the things he has done during this fast.
Looking back on this past year I can see a real change in my prayers and the verses I have been drawn to. In the beginning, it was always "Lord help me!" Save me from this pit. Then it switched to "Show me your path Lord". Now, I know the path...I've seen the dream...we are in this holding pattern, waiting on God's timing. But, holding doesn't mean stagnant! God has really been revealing His goodness, He's refining me like a precious gem....making me ready for the good plans He has for us! I need to do a little bit more reflecting before I can put words to it all, but I am super excited :)
So, what are your Ebenezers? Don't forget them! Write them on a stone, in a journal, on your heart. Pass them down to your children, leave the legacy of relying and trusting in the Goodness of the Lord!
I've really come to love this song...not my usual contemporary worship, but it speaks volumes to my heart!
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5 comments:
I love this, Shelly. It's so timely for me right now. I am walking through some hard stuff these days and big decisions...it's been incredibly challenging, but I've also had to go back and see all the places where God has been faithful.
And he has been. So much so. I love that you've seen the dream... we saw ours and had to wait, wait, wait too... I know how difficult it is. Hope you guys are doing well!
I wondered where you've been; you've been with HIM! Wonderful! How would we ever exercise our armour if we never had a battle. I'm so happy that you've been spending your time there AND that you chose to share the details of your experience with us. Thank you!
Shelley, you'll get a kick out of this; the word ver. is stafast.
Stayfast in Him!
I'm so glad you're back and that God has blessed you through your fast. Isn't it cool how we can each fast different things but God blesses us all the same? I love this starting out the year with 21 days of fasting and prayer. Each year I grow a little further in it.
This meditation is so encouraging. Thanks.
Welcome back...thank you for sharing your journey with us. I just LOVE reading your posts...so insightful!
Prayers for your husband today as he braves these conditions. Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog...you are too kind!
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