Do Not Lose Heart

Yes, there are many video clips in this post. But, so worth your time.

The first video, Though You Slay Me by Shane & Shane is new to me. I heard it last night at an area praise and worship time. It's not your typical praise and worship song. Last night before the band played their version of the song, a bit of this video starting at 3:24 was played. It is an audio clip of John Piper preaching. By hearing the audio clip before the song made the song so much more moving and meaningful to me. Take a listen...



To be honest, I've had this questioning in my mind. I know people in the Christian circle talk about God's plan and His directing history. I do understand and believe. But, when I hear people talk about it without acknowledging the sickening things going on in this world, the death of spouses and/or children, and many other hurts I just want to shout out "Where is God when a little girl is raped or when a child is killed by a mad-person?" I feel like we, Christians, are giving a pat answer without acknowledging the hurt.

I have faith. I do. And I soon come to my 'senses' after my 'mind outburst' (above). I know this world is not my home. I know pain and suffering are just part of this earth. And, last night, through the audio of the song (John Piper's at 3:24) my soul began to understand.

(This morning, in my quest to find the above video, I came across the story behind Though You Slay Me which is equally moving) 




And then I found this lovely song. I thought it went quite beautifully with the other videos....

Where [My] Feet May Fail

Have you heard this song yet? No? You NEED to hear it. You can thank me later. :)

Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand

And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Road Closed To Thru Traffic

I knew I would see a sign. My dad had warned me of the railroad crossing closure by his home.

Turning from one country road onto another, I noticed the sign. Cool! I can drive down the middle of the road and back into dad's driveway without worrying about another car.

Wrong. Lo and behold, a car came toward me. I started to question if the crossing was really closed. To make matters worse I had to wait on it before backing into the drive. Bummer. As I sort-of-patiently awaited the car to pass, I looked again at the railroad crossing. Indeed it was closed and there was no way to get past the mound of dirt in front of the crossing.

Well, now. Doesn't that driver feel a bit embarrassed. I felt smug in my summation.

As I was pulling out of the drive after a nice visit with my dad, I notice another car and then another not heeding the warning sign. Because of their failure to obey the sign without question, time and gasoline was wasted.

Road Closed To Thru Traffic. It should be ones first clue.

Driving past the road closed sign again, I began to wonder how many God-signs I ignore in this thing called life. It interferes with my plans, my ways and, sadly, my selfishness.

Road Closed to Thru Traffic.

God's plans. God's ways. His plans and ways are so much better than mine. I can't even comprehend His awesomeness. He wants the best for His people.

Last spring I witnessed woman struggling to get all of her groceries in the van while keeping track of her small children in the rain. I felt that nudge (sign) to help her but at the same time the voice in my head said the woman would think I'm strange or perhaps trying to 'steal' her kids. I sadly listened to the voice in my head.

I kept walking. Walking into the store like I had never saw that sign. I can only imagine how it might have blessed her. I know it would have blessed me when our children were younger. Yet, I kept walking.

A missed opportunity because I didn't heed the sign.

Road Closed to Thru Traffic.

Note to self: pay attention to the signs.