“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit ofdespair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in theLord. Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord…” (Psalm 40:1-4, NLT)
I never ever ever want to forget where the Lord has brought me from, as I have already begun taking giant steps into what He’s leading me into. I want to forever live from a place of deep and intimate gratitude, remembrance, celebration and humbled awe at His willingness to bend His ear to hear my weak and weary cries in seasons of sinking, to reach down His strong and mighty arm, to pull me up and set me on firm ground, to steady me as I take cautious but trusting steps forward, gripping His hand tightly for courage and strength with every step I take. I never want to get over the fact that He is overjoyed to fill me up with joy again; that He takes great delight in awakening my heart to the dreams He has always held in His heart for me, to join Him in living them out and to partner with Him in.
This painting is so significant to my heart, my story and my history with the Lord.
A former roommate, and lifelong sister-friend, painted this for me, in memory of a vision she got for me several years back. She saw me carrying a candle, going into darkened houses and lighting them up inside from the flame I carried. House to house I went, carrying my candle, lighting up the dark.
This vision has gotten me through some of the hardest, darkest times in my life. The Lord has and still uses it to remind me that regardless of who or what comes and goes in my life, stays or leaves, keeps or breaks trust…He will never leave. He will never go back on His promise to stay my Light within. He will never fail to walk with me. He will continue using me to bring His Light to dark places…that it’s just me and Him…and it always will be. People, things, opportunities, dreams will come and go, break and fail; disappointment is inevitable. But the Lord will never fail, and He’s given me this vision, this story, this hope and this calling, so I will never forget the One Whose Light never runs out. It is His Light that shines brighter than the sun, and His Light that lasts forever and ever.
Recently, another friend shared a similar vision he received for me, not knowing anything of the former. He said he saw me carrying a torch, entering into a dark cave, lighting it up by the Light of my Fire. The Lord is so kind to bring confirmation, even to words spoken over me years apart?? I love how the context has changed from civilian life to wild adventure, from a small, flickering flame to a raging flame. What a beautiful Storyteller my God is! I’m so excited to be His Fire carrier into the world as I begin the World Race in just 3 short weeks…
…“You are the Light of the world…” (Matt 5:14)
“I wanna take your word and shine it all round
But just help me first to live it, Lord
And if I’m doing well, help me to never make a sound
Except to give all the Glory to You…
…Oh Lord, please light the Fire
That once burned bright and clear
Replace the lamp of my First Love
That’s filled with Holy fear” (Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful by Keith Green)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgPQm06g2c
This little Light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine
