Another Thought

As we all go through a period of stretching and growth, molding and pain, excitement and discomfort, and fear and trust, this season or period described is something that the Lord is taking me through and continues to take me through. With what I have learned so far and that which is yet to be learned and understood, I know one thing, though it is hard and I sometimes want to give up and go the other way, is that my desire for Christ has not at all left but has gotten stronger and continues to get stronger! It's as though, once you taste something sweet in the midst of bitter, you desire that sweetness more and more. It is the strong push and desire of Christ in the midst of this season of my life, I am so grateful for! :) No matter what happens or what lay ahead, He is still on His Heavenly throne and is faithful!

This morning, in the midst of devotions, I read out of Elisabeth Elliot's book, Secure in the Everlasting Arms and was so blessed by a prayer which concluded her writing titled "The Long Leisure of Eternity." (for those that own this book, it starts on page 45 and concludes on 46) I wanted to share this prayer with you all with the hope and desire that you too will find it a blessing as you press on to the Higher calling and are pruned and tried along the way!

"Thou are good when Thou givest, when Thou takest away, when the sun shines upon me, when night gathers over me, Thou hast loved me before the foundations of the world, and in love didst redeem my soul; Thou didst love me still, in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust. Thy goodness has been with me during another year leading me through a twisted wilderness, in retreat helping me to advance, when beaten back making sure headway. Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead; I hoist sail and draw up anchor, with Thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past. I bless Thee that Thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead. If Thou hast appointed storms of tribulation, Thou wilt be with me in them; if I have to pass through tempests of persecution and desolation, I shall not drown; if I am to die, I shall see They face the sooner; if a painful end is to be my lot, grant me grace that my faith fail me not; if I am to be cast aside from the service I love, I can make no stipulation; only glorify Thyself in me whether in comfort or trial, as a chosen vessel meet always for Thy use."