God Speaks In Many Ways

"Why don't you come to Women of Faith with us in September?" my friend with a mutual love for women's conferences asked me back in the Spring.

"That would be fun." I said, knowing if Scott was still not working I wouldn't be going.

Fast forward a few months. I get a text from this same friend asking how I'm doing. Job situtation has not changed. After we update each other for a few minutes she brings it up again. "We want you to come to Women of Faith, our treat."  I had forgotten about it.  I hedged, hemmed and hawed and basically didn't give an answer. "I really, really want you to go."  I couldn't imagine why. We'd been to so many of these. Why is this one so special?

Naturally, I didn't want to be a financial burden and I also didn't want to leave Ally for a weekend since we're still adjusting to being three here at home. So I didn't give it another thought.

A few days pass. "Mom, can I go to Alex's lake house for the weekend?"  Hmmmm.  I think, 'If she's going, I could go.' I answered, "Look up Women of Faith for me and see who's speaking in Rochester next week."  Not the answer she was expecting.

I knew MercyMe has been singing at some WOF events. That would seal the deal.

"Third Day, Max Lucado, Sheila Walsh, etc." Third Day? Not my faves.

Max Lucado, huh? That's got possibilities. I've read many, many of his books but have never seen him in person. I know that his most recent book is titled You'll Get Through This. I follow him on facebook and he quotes from it daily. I pay attention daily. In fact, just last week I told Scott I think I need to read that book.

 I don't believe in consequences. Instead, I start to see a pattern.

I've walked with God long enough to know when He is inviting me to come and hear Him. I never want to miss it. Now that the biggest obstacle no longer exists, I have no excuse but pride. I love the company of these two sisters, appreciate their friendship toward me, and recognize that God is using them to get me there. So I ask if the offer is still open. It is.

I know we will have a sweet time together, but I am going for a single, very important reason to hear from God through Max Lucado's message, to learn how I can get through this. My friend understands this.

So off to Rochester we go. Friday night is good. I always like to hear Sheila Walsh. Third Day was....well....they were no MercyMe. Nor should they be.

Saturday morning I was up early and ready to get my message from God. I settled in my seat, Bible on lap, notebook open, pen in hand.  Have you ever experienced such intense expectation?  I had ears to hear and had prayed that I would be different by the time it was over. I would not be disappointed. Max is a gentle, humble man and I expected his message to be straight from the Bible and delivered in a Fatherly manner. It was. 

I knew God was already at work in me when fat, hot tears started streaming down my cheeks the moment he stepped on stage. I couldn't stop them and he hadn't even started speaking. And I had no tissues!! What was I thinking? The tears kept coming the whole time. I think I may have been approaching the ugly cry because I felt my friend's arm slide around me. She kept it there until the end of the session. What a gift and comfort. Turns out it would be that kind of day. Makeup gone by 10am never to return.

I didn't care because these are the best kinds of days. When the session was over, I sent Scott a text, "Max just finished. I got what I came for. I'm at peace."

I usually share my notes with you here, but I don't want to give too much away. You see, I figure if you need a message called "You'll Get Through This" too, then you should probably get a copy of your own and ask God to speak to you. Then you can come over, I'll make us coffee and we can talk in person. I would love that so much.

That said, I will share this one little tidbit, advice Max has given to many, that he repeated quite a few times and I hope I've memorized.

You'll Get Through This

It won't be painless.

It won't be quick.

But God will use this mess for good.

Don't be foolish or naive

but don't despair either.

With God's help, you'll get through this.

I hope you didn't skim that or read it too fast. Go back and read it again. I will too. Powerful. He then went on to teach about the life of Joseph and how to not despair.

As I told my girlfriends with me and shared with Scott upon arriving home, I sense that an enormous burden has been lifted from me. I feel lighter.

I've laid some things down. Handed them over to Jesus who offers to carry them for me. Things like entitlement, closure, the deep hurts and the biggie - trying to figure it all out.  Oh I do drive myself crazy doing this. Do you too? Why do we do this? To regain some aspect of control I suspect. Control we never had and control God won't give us because He's so good (I am very thankful for this).

I also see that some of my motivation has been so I can explain it to you, to my family, to my friends who are concerned for us. I know now that I can't. How could I explain the intricate workings of a sovereign (all-knowing) God whose 'thoughts are higher than my thoughts', whose 'ways are higher than my ways'*? The picture is too big. It likely involves much more than I am aware of. It's not possible. Nor is it necessary. I will cease trying. So I'm laying it down. 

Here's what I do know. Faith doesn't require sight but it does require belief - and I do believe God. God is fully aware of where I am and what is happening or not happening to me. Like the disciples experienced in Mark 8, Jesus put us into a boat heading for the other side of the lake. Out of nowhere, a storm came up. It's been a scary storm and has taken its toll on me if I'm honest. I was reminded this weekend that Jesus is in the boat with us. He got in when He saw us struggling against the power of the storm. He has calmed the waves and the wind raging around me (doubt, fear, control, approval of others). It's a relief.

Today, we are still in the boat. We are not on the other side yet but I know eventually we will be and He will work all of these intricate details into something good. Romans 8:28 promises it. 

He is with me and He's not leaving.  He's with you too. If you doubt that, pray God will open your eyes so you can see. That you'll be more aware, so you can experience His presence. He will answer, I promise.  Better yet, He promises - over and over and over in His Word. "Call on me and I will answer." Jer. 33:3

In conclusion, God speaks in many ways - like these:
1.  Recognize when He is inviting you to come closer. Seek God - then run toward Him, expectantly.
2.   If you're not in a storm, reach out to a friend who is. Nudge, nag a little, insist if you have to. Just don't give up at first refusal. God might be trying to use you to speak to someone else.

And remember, with God's help, we'll get through this.

PS.....I just found a link to listen to this very message from Max L.  If you want to see and hear it click here.  You can imagine I highly recommend it. 
*Isaiah 55:8