Have you ever been in a dark place? I have.
I remember (when as a foster child) being curled up in a ball in the middle of the night with welts and bruises from the middle of my back down to the back of my thighs.
- I remember feeling all alone.
- I remember the tears.
- I remember the feeling – but I didn’t know the word: “unjust” . . .
- I remember missing my mom so much I could hardly breathe.
- I remember wondering . . . why?
This isn’t a very good memory and I haven’t really thought about it much over the years.
Until . . .
Three weeks ago I preached about Paul the apostle being in a similar (but much worse) situation. He was lying all alone on a cold dark floor after having been:
- severely beaten,
- viciously struck in the mouth,
- unjustly accused
- and thrown in jail.
Paul was down – but not out. He knew he had a destiny to preach the good news of Jesus to governors, kings, and to the highest powers in Rome. I’m sure he was struggling to understand why he was in that position. I’m sure he was asking himself how his dream would ever be fulfilled.
But, then something awesome happened !!
Paul was visited by Jesus Himself. Here’s what happened:
Acts 23:11 That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, “Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have been a witness to me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome as well.”
That was it! Paul now KNEW his calling and dream would be fulfilled – he would preach in Rome! That was all he needed. Now he could be at peace, roll over and go to sleep. He had work to do . . .
Back to my preach several weeks ago . . .
Right smack in the middle of preaching Paul’s story – I began to remember myself at the age of seven curled up, hurting, and alone. And then . . . the most incredible thing happened. I could see Jesus standing over my bed when I was a kid – a kid who couldn’t understand why. Right then – while I was speaking – although I didn’t see or hear Jesus as a child – I could picture myself on that bed and see Jesus saying the same thing to me:
“It’s Ok . . . it’s going to be alright . . .”
Do you know what happen then? About a week later I moved out of that home into the home of my family to this day. A home where – although not perfect – they loved Jesus. A home where I was able to be healed of my past hurts and soul damage. This was the place where I would hear about God’s love for me and that I could find peace with God by placing my trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
Wow! Jesus WAS there all along!
I was overwhelmed and at the same time – trying to finish preaching. PLUS I had to preach the same message in about half an hour. It was probably the most difficult and emotional time I have ever had while trying to bring a word of encouragement to our church. I pray that Jesus was honored . . .
Have you ever been alone? Have you ever felt that hollow emptiness? Do you feel like no one understands? Remember this:
God loves you more than you’ll ever know. Be confident that He is with you and will never leave or forsake you.
Keep looking to Jesus the author and completer of your faith – don’t look back!
Love you guys, thanks for listening.
Steve 🙂
Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.