Restore Archives - Melissa’s Faith Walk

OUT OF THE PIT

January 16, 2022January 16, 2022
by Melissa

Something said in a sermon

It was said at one of our Sunday morning church services a while back, and it was something I haven’t forgotten. The visiting Pastor told a story of tough times, dark days, and hitting rock bottom.

A man had fallen into a pit and couldn’t get out. A doctor strolling by heard his cries for help and looked in. He assessed the situation and tossed in a prescription before moving on. The man remained in the pit and a second passerby heard his cries. This was a church elder. “I will pray for you,” said the elder, and he continued on. A third person heard his cries, and seeing the trouble, jumped into the pit. “Why would you do that? Now we are both stuck in this pit!” The man replied, “ I have been in this pit before. I know the way out.”

Chapter 2

i was reminded of this parable while reading chapter 2 during my devotions.

In todays reading, Sheila Walsh wrote about dark times, and how that is when we feel alone. It feels like doors have been slammed in our face and we are left on the outside, standing in a hallway.

The key points that resonated with me are

We all have troubles. We don’t know why other than the fact that we live in an imperfect world.
When we are in the midst of troubles, we need to admit it, surrender it, and know that it is temporary.
Know it will not be wasted.

Have you seen the movie Inside Out?

In that movie, there is a character named Sadness. We learn in this movie, through this character, that even sadness has a role in our lives. It is through sadness that we know sympathy, empathy, compassion, and kindness.

Sheila Walsh said the following. “God never rushes us through our pain. He sits with us as long as it takes. But as you begin to receive His comfort, you might look around and see that you’re not alone in the hallway.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God gave us.

Humility and Honesty

The first thing to do when we are in the dark, is to acknowledge it. Admit it to God and let it go. God will be with us, and we need to allow Him to love us and comfort us. As time heals, we may be the very needed comfort to someone else.

This is not easy. As a people, we often fail to admit we are hurting and that we need help. So often we hide our hurt. Maybe it’s shame, or embarrassment, or denial. There is also a fine line between sharing and hanging out your dirty laundry for all to see.

I have not mastered any of this. I am not going to pretend I have. But I do know this. I like real people. People that are humble. Honest. Raw. I love this song by Andy Grammar, inviting us to get deep and real in our conversations.

If I am being honest, sharing my thoughts and feelings is my least favorite part of this blog. I like the reading, reflecting, and creativity, but not the sharing. But when I feel the nudge of God, I try to obey.
I’m not sure what I have to share that may be helpful, but I will try to be vulnerable, humble, and honest.

Book Talk

My mom is reading this book too and we are having our own little book club. It was really good getting deep and dirty with her. Talking about the book led to a raw discussion. It was good. We talked about how circumstances can lead to feeling of numbness and a loss of joy. I know that joy comes from the Lord, not circumstances, but there is still a loss.

Sheila Walsh wrote this prayer, and I encourage everyone to join me in praying it too. Why let our pain be wasted if it can be used for good. “Lord, give me eyes to see what I might miss. Give me ears to hear beyond what someone might be saying to what is happening in their heart.”

Poem- I Googled The Address For Joy

I googled the address for Joy and plugged it into my GPS.Lost, I eagerly rushed through the streets of life.
Turning here and merging there, not paying attention to what was passing me by.
You have reached your destination.
Leaping from my car, I hurry for the door when I seeJoy through the window.
Joy is right there. I’m on the outside looking in, but I can’t seem to knock.

Devotions

Jesus, Would You Like To Join Me For Coffee?

January 9, 2022January 9, 2022
by Melissa

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

Good morning, Jesus. Would you like to join me for coffee?

So much goodness in today’s reading. As I begin 2022 with my one little word RESTORE, I am reminded of how I do not need fixing. That I am enough because God says so.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Last year’s word was grace. God is clearly speaking to me. Maybe I am not broken. Maybe I haven’t really lost anything. What I really need to do is put God first.

Sheila Walsh wrote, “I lived a good part of my life adding Jesus as a hashtag. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t know I was doing it, but I was. Whether I was dealing with loss, or depression, or financial or relational struggles, I did my best to fix things. I tried to do better, and then asked Jesus to help me. It was as if prayer was an add-on and Christ was only involved once I’d given it my best shot.”

#Jesus

That’s what I have been doing. #Jesus.
I want Jesus to be with me all day, every day. I want to invite Him there, and feel His presence. I know He is there. I would not have survived 2021 if He wasn’t. But I have been numb. Not really feeling much of anything. I want to be restored.

Psalm 51: 10-13 Create in me a clean heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous spirit. Then I will lead transgressors your way and sinners shall be converted to You.

So what will I do now?

I will invite Jesus to be with me throughout the day. Jesus, will you please join me for coffee? What do you say, Jesus. You ready to go to the office? So, Jesus, chicken or fish for dinner? These may not be long prayers, but invitations to be with me from the beginning, not just a hashtag.
I will continue with this blog. I had started it in 2020 when my word was story and had not planned to continue. But today in 1 Peter:5 and in Psalm:51, it seems as though Jesus wants me to share what He tells me. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Perhaps the Lord will use my feelings, thoughts, and experiences to help others and to lead them to His glory.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for this coffee time together. I feel you and I hear you. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for reminding me that I am enough because your grace is sufficient. Thank you for being my strength. Forgive me for so often putting you as an after thought. How blessed I am that you offer such love and grace. Lord, if it is your will and desire that I make my thoughts, feelings, and experiences public, then use me. Guide me and give me the words. I would love to leave this world one day knowing I brought people to you. I can’t think of any greater accomplishment. I love you and praise you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Now, how about we make breakfast. Would you like to join me for bacon and eggs?

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