I’ve gotten to hear some amazing stories from various people this week.  But the amazement didn’t come from their circumstances themselves.  All of the conversations that I had with people this week were about very real, very difficult things, very painful things.  The amazement for me came with how God has shown Himself through these hard times.  How He has strengthened hearts that are broken and tired.  How He has given these people a fortitude that goes beyond what they would be able to do normally.  There was a sweet tenderness and vulnerability, and I think, relief as they talked about their situations.   From the outside looking in, it was easy to see how God is orchestrating great things in their hearts and minds.  They are being grown and strengthened and seeing and appreciating Jesus’ love in a whole new way.

I’ve seen the same thing in my own life again and again.  Heartache or difficulty comes and I drop to my knees in desperation, knowing that I don’t have what it takes to survive the pain.  And at that place of complete humility and brokenness, there is a sweet connection with the One whose heart is drawn to the brokenhearted.  It’s at that place where you can sense the very real presence and love of Jesus, wrapping His arms around you and whispering in your ear, “It’s going to be okay.”  And as long as we will allow, He will hold us there, calming fears and soothing the sting of pain.

And at some point, either in our circumstances or in our own hearts or both, something shifts.  We begin to see things differently, looking at them from a perspective of peace and trust instead of panic and fear.  We notice that there is a light at the tunnel’s end and that the tunnel will not last forever.  And we remember that as we are walking through the tunnel we are hand in hand with the God who is not afraid of tunnels and their darkness or length.  And we sigh…

I am praying for my friends today and where their hearts are at right now and where God is taking their hearts on this journey.  They will have more amazing stories to share and they will be able to help others one day whose hearts are plagued by pain and fear.  And I will be on the sidelines cheering them on with tears streaming down my face….

Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.