Have you ever felt the pain of feeling left out and forgotten? Have you ever wondered if your life was still valuable and capable of blessing God and others? Or questioned whether those around you understand the depths of your heart and the journey God has called you on? I am quite sure you have because these are some of the common themes of what it is to be human. I am reminded of a song written by Rich Mullins, this is an excerpt from “hard to get.” It communicates the human struggle and the strength we find when we understand Jesus to experienced our pain and is able to be an “ever-present comfort in our troubles”
You who live in radiance
Hear the prayers of those of us who live in skin
We have a love that's not as patient as Yours was
Still we do love now and then
Did You ever know loneliness
Did You ever know need
Do You remember just how long a night can get?
When You were barely holding on
And Your friends fall asleep…
And I know you bore our sorrows
And I know you feel our pain
And I know it would not hurt any less
Even if it could be explained
And I know that I am only lashing out
At the One who loves me most
We have experienced our share in this journey we are on with Antioch Network, as we have stepped out in faith to follow God, not knowing where exactly He is leading us. It says in Genesis that God called Abraham and spoke to him and told him to leave his home, people, security and go to a place he did not know. Abraham stepped out in faith The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. Later on it says that God showed up in a very personal way to Abraham: the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. By the goodness of God this has been true for us, as we have followed his voice he has showed up.
He has showed up over and over again. In a small hut in the middle of the bush in Africa opening up the Bible with eight Wolof brothers and sisters, God was among us in our fellowship. In Nogales among the poor and in India among the Untouchables God was there as the One who is near, The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Most recently as I have struggled with feelings of inadequacy as I continue to wait for God’s timing for us to be fully supported so we can devote our full attention to the things God has placed upon our hearts to do. God has showed up and revealed Himself. This has been a season where I have found Jesus whispering an invitation to find strength in Him.
Like never before I have found strength in Jesus who as fully human can sympathize with our struggles, and has the ability to give His peace and presence to empower us to keep taking the next step! I also find strength knowing that we are not alone but each one of us have been called on this journey of faith as we follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
We are grateful!
The Thurman Family
