Key Scripture. Nil 

Relevance

In my collision 35 years ago, my brother John died at the scene, and I lived. In three weeks to the day, it will be the 35th anniversary. 

I created a living nightmare for my family that only the Balm of Gilead could heal. At the time, the Lord saw many tears, anguishing hearts, and great despair. He poured that balm on my family like Mary streamed the oil from the Alabaster box upon our Lord, generously and caring.

The oil was to heal the wounds. As part of the healing process, and after the numbness, they focused on that supernatural truth that God uses all things for His gain. Somehow, He would turn that horrendous folly around for His glory. They allowed the Lord's wings to cover them and knew they had to trust that He was in control.

When in that situation, it's essential to remember that God broods over his flock. He weeps with them and for them. He reaches out and comforts. He does not leave them to wallow in the mire of despair. 

They had to yield to the Lord's will and submit their anguish, irritations, and hurts to God so those embittering feelings wouldn't find a harbour. It was all about moving forward and not backwards. 

You see, as the Israelites under Joshua moved forward, God's people must continually move forward. They must not look back. Forward is where the obedience lies in doing the Lord's will and commands, even in sorrow. 

When we go through these circumstances, the Lord wants us to study them, as painful as they are, and occupy the experience. The Lord's will is that each individual walks through the experience of an overcomer in His name. 

If we submit, those circumstances will not overwhelm or destroy us but accomplish a certain work, and God's will, not ours, shall be done. Submitting involves looking forward in hope and belief in what God can do, as difficult as that looks at the time.

In all that drama and trauma of John's untimely physical death, I also needed to die. I was bound for Hell, saved from the fire of death by the Lord's hand. I needed to yield to the Lord's will. 

A grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die to bring forth new life. I had to die the slow death of a believer until every breath or heartbeat of 'self' was extinguished, and that began on that day and continues even now!  

The will of everyone who seeks the Lord's Kingdom must die, and God's will within must rise from the grave until we can say with all conviction—Thy Will Be Done! 

What is worth remembering if you find yourself in darkening situations is that God's love and mercy are usually the first cards He draws. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your love, tenderness and direction for me and my family. How would we know what to do without you?

Photo By Simon Hurry