Faith that makes you fearless and Joy Unimaginable–Can a shattered heart be the catapult to joy?
Let me begin with a huge apology. For the first time in the 5 years that I have been posting I had to do a complete rewrite. For those of you who have read the first posting and it really meant something for you; I will gladly send you an email copy for you. Let me try to explain why I felt I had to rewrite the entire blog. This morning’s writing was an attempt to “improve” my writing. I realized after I got to work that I had drowned you in my history I was hoping to help you see the awesome love of God who remained so faithful to me. I wanted you to know how He patiently took my hand to teach me of how much He loved me; even when I got it all wrong? He loved me when my theology was all wrong; and, He loved me when I turned my whole world upside down.
WHERE CAN I BEGIN:
Let me begin by saying my whole purpose for writing. The very reason I began this blog or wrote any of my books has been to reach out a hand of love to any of the readers that came by. This week I began taking classes in how to reach a larger audience and so instead of just listening to my heart; I tried to construct a blog the way “it should be.” But I got it wrong. What I meant to say this morning is: are you hurting? Have you or are you in the midst of an abusive relationship? Have you known aching, desperate loneliness? Have you ever believed you weren’t pretty enough or good enough to be loved? If so, please understand; I have been there. I do not say that with any pride or badge of honor. I just want you to be aware that I know how that feels. I know the fear and despair of facing cancer all alone; too afraid to tell your children that the doctors don’t think your chances are very good. I know what it is to go paycheck to paycheck while at the same time trying to hide the truth of your financial devastation from your children. You don’t want them to suffer from your mistakes. I know what it is to have good meaning christians question your faith or say “that it must be your sin that prevents God from blessing you?” And I know what it is to desperately cry out to God in the middle of the night, “Oh, God; why can’t I get it right? How can you love me when I keep failing you?”
GOD’S GRACE:
The truth is–God’s grace has been there every step of this journey. He has been Sovereignly present. He has been step by step transforming me. He loved me way too much to leave me the way He found me. Instead, inch by inch and glory by glory; He is changing me into the image of Christ. (2Corinthians 3:17-18) I want you to know that He loves you. You are never too deep, too far, or too lost for Him to find you. I know; because I have been there.
WHAT DO WE DO NOW?
The thing that all of the years has taught me is this: God is Sovereign over every detail of my life. He even allowed me to blunder this morning and write from my head–not my heart. He didn’t let me have peace with anything I had written. I had written it with all sincerity; hoping that it would help you know a little something of the depth of love He has for you; but, that is not what it did. All day, I have been restless and disturbed–almost tortured. All day I have been praying and then just like a sweet savor of truth, I knew I had to rewrite it and I needed God’s Grace to shine down upon the words.
LOVE, HOPE, AND JOY
God loves you. Right where you are. He so wants you to know the bliss of knowing Him. He wants you to know that even in your darkest trials, He is there. He yearns for you to find your hope in Him, your Joy in Him. He is that love to your lonely heart. He is the strength when you are too weak and too weary to take another step. He is your faith when yours is crumbling deep within your heart. I know this; because, He has been my bright and morning star in every moment of my life. He is my hope, my joy and my love. I want you to know Him. We are broken people; but, in Christ we are healed. Even the faith of the patriarchs we have been studying in Hebrews 11 failed at times; but God was faithful. “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7). My life is still filled with obstacles; but, I am not afraid because I know God holds my hand. There are many sorrows that cross my path; yet, I have steady joy because God is my Joy.
Can a shattered heart be the catapult to Joy? Yes, a million times yes in the loving, Sovereign hands of God–Yes.
INVITATION: I so want to reach out my hand and meet you right where you are on this journey. Indeed, you may be the one who is much farther along and can shine a light before my path. Or you may need me to take your hand. In either case we are in this journey together; bound by love. I invite you to comment or write me and share your story as well. Or if you want the original note, I can send you that as well. Thank you
I wrote the words to this song many years ago, When I first Came to Know Him. Although I heard a softer tune in my head, but unfortunately I can’t write music. I hope you enjoy it.
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The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The picture used was me at age 7 Or 8