I wasn’t planning to blog today. My heart has been heavy, and I didn’t feel like pounding out overly somber words. I want to be an encourager. The last thing I ever want to do is pour out grief so thick that together we find ourselves stuck there with nothing to lift us. Today, I carried out some very difficult tasks – tasks that need to be done after losing a loved one. And the last thing I had planned to do was write…
But now my house is quiet. Everyone is sleeping except me, and that is often where God meets me.
Have you ever watched a TV show where there was a character with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, each one whispering to the character what choice they should make?
Through all this grief, even though I know what God is capable of doing, I’ve been close to giving in to whispers that speak nothing but lies. Whispers that tell me I’m too sad to write and what I say doesn’t matter anyway, whispers that tell me to cancel upcoming speaking engagements, and whispers that try screaming my family will never truly be happy again.
Guess what? Though I might have moments of weakness, I will NEVER stop doing what God has ordained for my life. And tonight I’m writing to say that you can’t either!
Right now, I’m broken. I am. There is no way to communicate my current situation in life without you realizing that. However, I believe from what I’ve been through before, and how God has always showed Himself strong, that broken pieces make beautiful art. Just because the pictures of our lives aren’t perfect, doesn’t mean they are any less valuable or lovely to look at. And inside all of it, Jesus is at work.
If you are going to be broken, let it be for the cause of Christ and not for what the enemy wants to whisper to you. Those awful whispers are nothing more than tactics to stop you from thriving in all Jesus has for your life!
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. 5 For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 6 Now in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.”
-Psalm 30:4-6
Love,
Jennifer
so true and so powerful- you are right- the enemy would have you stop writing for a while or cancel your engagements, but God is using you in a mighty and eternal way- ” doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs!”- “He Who has called you is faithful!”.
Thank you for speaking God’s truth even when in the midst of such grief. I continue to pray for you and your family. God will honor your faithfulness. Xox
Oh yes, I too am so broken. We’ve been going through one very tough season after another. Through it all God shines greater – for real! Currently in another really tough season where I am asked to be still and to let Him work. Blessings to you as the Spirit comforts & enables you to walk each day with the Lord. I’m so sorry for your loss too.
Thank you for sharing this. Through my earthly struggles, I’ve learned to use them for his glory and pray that I continue to point the world toward Him, not toward myself.
I’m so sorry for your pain. Grief is never a straight path; it takes many twists and turns. I pray you’ll stay open to the yes’s and no’s for you in each day, being gentle with yourself and covering your emotions with grace. Thank you for taking the time to write and publish this for us here reading.
We can’t be made whole until we are broken and I am so thankful that you are allowing God to use you. Your words are words people need to hear!