Stand & Shine
By: Susan Schiller
From the series "Love from Papa'
Papa, it's dark out and a chill wind is picking up speed. I hear the cries and groans of all the afflicted, it seems, in between my own sobs. My only hope is you. You are the Light of the World. You are Fire and warmth and kindness and goodness. Please hear my cry and come quickly. Shelter me as I brace for this storm.
My pastor had warned me earlier in the day: "Susan, I'm ashamed of you. If you can't do what I tell you to do, then I can't be your pastor. You are not allowed in my church from this point on, unless you change your mind and get rid of your counselor. You're too dangerous for anyone to be around you. If you don't change your mind I don't ever want to see you again."
Papa, I lay down this ministry right now. I lay down each person on my ministry team. I lay down my "calling" and submit myself to You. Square One: I'm Your child, plain and simple. My life is in Your hands. I have nothing to offer anyone apart from Your grace and mercy. Oh Papa, I'm so tired of struggling!
"Storms will come your way, Little One, but My peace never changes. You're embraced by My Father's powerful love. Even if the whole world were to forsake you, I never will.
"Troubles, like crashing waves in a storm, will come to test your faith. Stand firm. Don't be shaken. Resist evil, especially the evil that dwells in your own mind.
"Step out of the storm and abide in Me. Know Me. I am stable and sure. When darkness overtakes the godly, Light will come bursting in."
Papa, please mend my broken heart, especially the part that still grieves previous rejections. I'm weak and I can no longer sleep at night!
"My daughter, you are being tested and tried. The fire is getting hotter, but I have control over the temperature, so don't worry. It's cooler up in the clouds – come up higher. Look beyond your present problems. I'll shelter you and you'll find rest. Don't you know I Am Peace and Rest? If you want peace and rest, come to Me.
"All who labor must rest. Not all who analyze and strive to understand their worries, but all who enter into My Rest find peace and have all their needs met.
"I never slumber, never sleep – and because I stay awake, you can sleep. Now, daughter, you must rest. I will stay awake and keep watch for you. Go to sleep, my child. I am your keeper, your friend…. forever."
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
11 “All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish.
12 Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all.
13 For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
From my spring 2002 diary.
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With all my love,
Sue
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello, sweet sister. I am so blessed by your conversations with the Lord. This is so…..like my conversations with Him. You speak my heart in all I read. I have been shunned by those who hate the Truth too…at church. I have been told I am dangerous too! We are! We, sister, are dangerous to organized RELIGION and to pharisaical wolves. The testimony of victims are DANGEROUS to the abusers and the abusers are out there in vast numbers…They are even in our own homes. It seems the most dangerous place many women can be in IN THEIR OWN HOME. What a mess. What a gracious God we serve too. He is our hiding place. Indeed He is. He is our refuge. Amen. You quote here my favorite scripture and the one the Lord brings to my heart over and over again. Isaiah 41: 10 onward. I love Him so! Blessing sweet sister. I am grateful for you.
I hope it's entirely a good rest and not complications with your recent surgery?
Hi Sue!!!!
Sometimes when you pose the closing provacative question, I feel like I have to ponder for days as I wade through the depths of your words.(in a good way)
But not this day! 🙂
This day, the former straght 'A' student, ultra obedient, rule-follower, performer, i.e. ME…
this day I am sitting in my bed, propped up with pillows, with my toesies warm under the quilt! And believe you me!!!! That is a huge deal for me to be postured like that!
So, the question is: how do I see Him today????
***Like washing the car with a 4-year old.***
My grandson and I did this yesterday and we were both soaking wet by the end of it. And 'most' of the car was clean. 🙂
Today, the Father showed me that He is like this with me! What fun! What joy! What freedom!
Oh Linda,
Your words and the picture you describe bring joy and tears to my eyes simultaneously! Also the picture of you resting in a snuggly warm place makes my heart glad!
I’m looking forward to hearing more of Daddy does with you today… and I’m praying you get LOTS of great moments with him, whether sleeping or relaxing.
I can relate to being a “performance expert” – oh dear, those were the days when it was so simple! Just color inside the lines and do what you’re told. So easy … and yet so lifeless.
Love you bunches!
xxxoooxxx
Yes, lifeless, but do-able. HaHa
I'm not as good at "doing" rest. 😉
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