BY DAWN REED
Last Wednesday night, I went to “big church” instead of helping with the kids in the back. My beloved was heading to the Southern Baptist Convention, so I wanted to be in his presence one more time before he left.
The words he shared from Colossians were exactly what I needed to hear. It had already been a tough week. Well, month. Actually, it has just been a tough season. I do not have cancer, have not lost a loved one, do not have family addicted to drugs, but it has still been a difficult season. The journey through the valley is not always a quick trip. It can last a while.
Every morning, I pray, read my Bible, then put verses in my pocket. I pray for the Holy Spirit to push me and shove me where to go, if necessary, but also stop me and hush me.
Working with kids and teeth has been my jam for over 19 years. Lately, everything has changed, especially the technology. It leaves me feeling like a dinosaur. A great big, old, wrinkly dinosaur. I am close to retirement in mind and body. The Lord knows all that.
At the last minute, at exactly 7 p.m., I suddenly decided to join the adults. I did not know what they were studying on Wednesday nights, but God did. He was waiting in “big church” with words of encouragement.
My beloved shared how Paul was praying for the people of Colosse (Colossians 1:9-10). Writing from prison, Paul asked God to: fill them with the knowledge of His will; that they would live lives worthy of the Lord; that they would please Him – bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God.
The verses were moving. The older I get, the more I love Paul’s teaching. He was in prison, yet was still encouraging people he had never met. It seems people should have been writing Paul letters of encouragement, not the other way around.
Verse 11 struck a chord: “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have endurance and patience…” Tears filled my eyes. This was for me. Paul was writing to me. That is what I needed: endurance.
In this valley, I often ponder Bible people who had to endure/press on/press through. Daniel comes to mind regularly. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Joseph, Hannah, and Esther. In each true story, we are reminded that God was with them using each difficulty for good.
I sure hope you are reading your Bible! If you are not, please let me know how you are getting through the day. It cannot just be with coffee or Red Bull.
Several years ago, Peggy Berry, a faithful servant at the KBC, helped me develop a habit of journaling. I write Scriptures, study notes, prayers, ideas for weekly columns, etc., in cheap black-and-white composition books. It is not pretty, not beautifully penned lettering. It is messy and all over the place – like me. This habit has been such a blessing!
My Father speaks to me through His Word every single day. When I look back, I see answered prayers, valleys He has walked, dragged, or carried me through, and verses that constantly soothe my soul.
I am not promising cartwheels when you read, but I am promising you a connection, encouragement, direction, hope, and even sometimes fun. There are so many good things on every page. Well, except Leviticus. It is important but hard reading.
Plant your feet deeply in God’s Word. Allow Him to speak to you daily through it. Let it grow and bloom in your heart!
God reminds me over and over through His Word that He still digs dinosaurs. I have some pterodactyl earrings. Might just wear them today.