Feb 12, 2008

Trust - Raw and Real

For the past 2 weeks, an old hymn has not left my mind, my heart, my lips.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.


The past month or so has been a time to trust and lean hard on God. I have faced a few illnesses myself, my daughter has not been able to walk properly for 6 weeks, and has required countless hospital and doctors visits, and time away from my work to attend to her. She, however, cannot speak or tell us what is troubling her, so we continue to ask God for help and also seek medical advice. My husband experienced a very horrific vehicle accident, and miraculously survived.

In these times, I ask God questions, and look to Him for strength. Whenever I face overwhelming odds and obstacles, I am keenly aware that I (we) are in a spiritual battle of dramatic proportions... most of which we are unaware of.

I become more aware than ever, that my hope is not in my Christian acts of kindness or acts of service. My hope is not in how I feel, my hope is not in what I know.... my hope is built on NOTHING LESS than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

Despite the swirling of activities, and problems, and obstacles and concerns and worries, I declare that my hope is in Jesus. I choose to trust Him.

I choose to trust that He is watching and guiding me, despite what my circumstances look like. Whenever the waves of unexplained struggles come, when the demands on me become greater than I think I can give, or endure........I become even more aware of my desperate need of Him.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

For those of us who have loved ones that need our care, who need others to survive..................for those who face overwhelming obstacles, or unanswered prayers, sometimes, it seems as though reality is screaming at us, and is relentless in its demands. Despite all the responsibilities we carry, despite our obedient efforts..... He is in control.

My hope is not is the removal of all my problems, my hope is in Jesus. It is His power in and through me.

This is not to say that I choose to resign myself to accepting problems or obstacles as "my lot in life" -NO- a big fat NO.

Nor, am I afraid of the enemy. I become even more aware that the enemy is out to rob, steal and destroy my life, but............. he cannot, he is powerless, because I choose to put all of my hope in Jesus, in His oath, in His blood, in His covenant to me.

Despite what I face in a day, despite any pressing, despite my feelings, I am aware that it is "His power" "the power of the cross of Jesus" that is my anchor - my hope.

And then, I choose to press in and trust, with raw and real feelings. I rest on His unchanging grace that has an endless supply just for me.

When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Cor. 4:8



11 comments:

Rhonda said...

Cheryl - You have been on my mind lately. My prayers are with you.

You really have built your hope "on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness."

This post is an example of the importance of 'hiding His word in our hearts", like you have.

I am so proud of you for looking to Him for your strength, when our natural minds want to give up hope, lay blame, or try to fix it on our own.

Love you lots,

Rhonda
xo

joanne said...

I'm sorry for the difficulties you've been walking thru... and am grateful to hear of God's protection over your sweet hubby.

I love what you said...

'This is not to say that I choose to resign myself to accepting problems or obstacles as "my lot in life" -NO- a big fat NO'

... and I say a big AMEN.

Our oldest son was just tatooed for his 18th b-day. It is an echo of the certainty of our hope:
"I WILL FEAR NO EVIL
FOR YOU ARE WITH ME"
my prayers are with you...

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear that you have been facing difficult times lately. My thoughts and my prayers are with all of you.

I really enjoyed reading the last part on what God taught you through these trials, that it really is a choice to put our trust in Him, its a choice to live life to the full as He has so promised us. He has given us everything we need to do it and its much easier said than done but in the end we will reap what we sow. Thank you so much for sharing that! Such a great reminder to press onward towards the prize which He has called us heavenwards.

Love and Blessings,
Amanda

Jen said...

Cheryl....BLESS YOU!!!!! and Sweet Lindsay and Sid and ALL you hold near and dear!!! MANY Incredible-straight-from-God-blessings in the midst of these troubles.

I love your attitude in all of this and I come into agreement with all of your declarations. I pray PEACE and JOY to be your strength, I pray wisdome clarity and ultimately Healing over Lindsay...You,ve been pressed but NOT crushed, persecuted NOT abandoned, struck down but NOT destroyed, and HIS JOY WILL BE YOUR STRENGTH.Though this trial may last for the night....Your JOY comes in the morning!!!

So much love going out to you right now, please keep us up to date, so we can agree for the Faithfulness of our God in your situation.

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone... I'm feeling the love and take it in like a sponge. Thanks for the prayers, I need it, we need it, and I KNOW it makes a difference. I await to see the fruit of answered prayer.

Amy said...

Oh Cheryl!
I, too, have been singing this song for weeks on end. God is so amazing. I have been thinking and praying for you all. Blessings upon blessings!!!!

Anonymous said...

How cool is that??

Don't you love it when God speaks all over the land?
I sure would love to hear the sweet singing voice of Amy once again...... it is like the sweetness and kindness of Jesus all blended into one sound.

Shari said...

Cheryl
Like Rhonda you've been on my heart and mind a lot since the new year.

I pray courage, strength, renewing of your mind and speak life to your weary bones.

Blessings from our household to yours.

Shaun and Holly said...

I wish that you didn't live so far away...would so love to bring you some flowers and spend some time with you singing, praying and just hanging out. Sending you love and prayers.

Williams Family Blog said...

I too will stand with you my friend.

Anonymous said...

Ahh thanks all... I need the lovin and prayer.
God will listne and answer.