restoredEarlier today I happened to visit a place I’ve frequented many times. The place? It’s a confusing, dark plane of existence, where my flesh seems to take over and screams so many things that contradict God’s Word; it’s also a place inhabited by demons. And the demons taunt me, saying things like… “All of your suffering has been, and is in vain! God’s promises aren’t for you.” Taped to my vanity mirror is a promise from Psalm 50…

“Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50: 15

In the bathroom, taped to the shower doors is …

“The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138: 8

The reciting of these promises in my mind seemed to give the demons more ammunition…”You keep believing God, yet you have never seen one of those promises manifested in your life. Did He ever come to your rescue? No, He didn’t. Just look at His track record. He has never given you one ounce of help with your disease; instead of getting better, you’re getting worse! You can’t do this, and can’t do that. You’re worthless! You might as well face it…Your life is over! It really IS hopeless!”

They had me thinking gloom and doom … but I caught myself…rather, the Holy Spirit caught me. If I learned anything in the past ten years suffering with this disease, is that as soon as these dark and depressing feelings come… is when I have to go straight to my dad- My Heavenly Father. With all the things going on inside my head, all I can muster to say sometimes is “Help.” But God knows, and He always-ALWAYS comes to my rescue. His peace comes flowing like a river. This is what I happened to read a few moments later…

Difficulty is actually the atmosphere surrounding a miracle, or a miracle in its initial stage. Yet if it is to be a great miracle, the surrounding condition will be not simply a difficulty but an utter impossibility. And it is the clinging hand of His child that makes a desperate situation a delight to God.

Thanks God, “I’m back!”