There are seasons in the Christian life, and perhaps
especially in frontline service, when the path we walk darkens. We find
ourselves surrounded by pain or grief, facing burdensome assignments or
insurmountable obstacles. The air we breathe reeks of danger and fear … worsened
by silence from heaven, the sense we’re alone. All alone.
God promises to be with us always, but sometimes we forget.
Thankfully He floods our lives with reminders of His presence.
I learned the value of training my spiritual eyes from Edith
Schaeffer, wife of Dr. Francis Schaeffer. Her weekly Bible studies during my
years at L’Abri unveiled a fresh perspective. She wove observations of every
day sights and situations we tend to overlook into illustrations of God’s hand
at work in the world.* Her teaching rivaled the expertise of the miller’s
daughter in Rumplestiltskin who spun straw into gold.
Developing my focusing skills bore fruit when I was
recovering from hip replacement surgery. The simple task of taking a shower morphed
into a prisoner of war experience—small enclosure, drumming water, complete
isolation, imminent danger. My cruel captor was the fear of falling, beating me
to remain upright when I wanted to hunch in a corner. Darkness like a black bag
over my head disoriented me as I clenched my eyes against stinging shampoo. Yet
I stood and endured.
In one particular torture session I felt myself tilting
sideways and panic surged. My hand shot out and struck the white tiles. No handhold
to grasp, but the wall held firm. I leaned into the support and gulped at the
security I found. My pulse settled and peace penetrated. I opened my eyes and
stood erect. A breath or two and I took hold of the back brush, returning to my
mission. Occasionally I poked out my elbow to confirm rescue was less than an
arm’s length away.
And so it is with the pilgrim journey in a fallen world. We
find ourselves in shadowed valleys, feeling overcome by what’s behind, beside,
or before us. Whether in a local church or on the mission field the LORD is our all-sufficient Sovereign, more
secure than any vertical upright. He’s the ever-present promise-keeper who
rescues and loves on those He calls His own.
Let me encourage you. The next time you find yourself in a
tight spot, battered and nearly broken, remember God is closer than your tub
surround. You don’t have to open your eyes to find Him. Slip out your hand and
lean into His strength. Draw peace from His presence. He’s right there.
“Never will I Ieave you; never will I forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5 NIV1984
*A Way of Seeing,
by Edith Schaeffer, is a collection of sixty essays with fresh insights on
biblical Truth.
About the Author
Sandra Allen Lovelace is a continuing missionary, a pastor’s
wife emeritus, and a homeschool pioneer. She’s a well-respected speaker and
author known for her candor and warmth. Sandra’s current manuscript invites
wallflower women to reach for the life God intends them to live. She enjoys hiking
with a camera in her hand, best done on an international adventure. Sandra and
her husband Curt are transitioning to South Carolina.
Get to know Sandra at her website, http://sandraallenlovelace.com/
You can also connect with Sandra on Facebook. If you contact
her at Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, or Instagram she’ll be delighted with a
reason to practice.
